Development boost: The focus on economic recovery will benefit the people of both states.
KOTA KINABALU: The increased allocation for Sabah and Sarawak showed that the Federal Government has given due consideration over the proposal by the Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MKMA63), says Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) also described Budget 2023 as a good-balanced, pro-people and recovery-based budget.
“Despite the challenges, the allocations did not divert away from meeting the basic needs of the people, of which RM6.3bil was allocated for the development of Sabah and RM5.4bil for Sarawak, while for rural development, a total of RM1.5bil for Sabah and RM2.55bil for Sarawak.
“The development needs and focus highlighted by the special council have been acted on and provided for, including development allocations for poverty and the B40 group.
“More importantly, funds for basic infrastructure have been maintained and in some cases increased, especially for rural roads, water and electricity, and digital infrastructure.
“The special council also proposed an increase of allocation for medical and educational facilities, especially in addressing dilapidated rural schools and clinics, which is highlighted in the Budget,” he said in a statement.
The Kota Marudu MP said concerns on border security, especially on assets and the speedy construction of the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Safety centres along the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan borders, have been acted on.
“The focus on economic recovery is spot-on. The extra push for the revival of the manufacturing and tourism sectors are both timely and much needed,” he added.
Ongkili said stronger voices and financial focus for Sabahans and Sarawakians were now increasingly respected and acted on.
“But there is still room for further improvement.
“While we are grateful with the increasing openness of the Federal Government in providing better allocation, especially for rural development, we will continue to utilise MKMA63 as a platform to push for basic development needs for both states,” he added.
