‘Federal-state govt cooperation essential’

KAPIT: Good relations between the federal and state governments is important to implement development programmes successfully, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).

Efforts to strengthen such relationships were in line with the mission of the unity government which wants all Malaysians to benefit from development programmes, he said.

He added that states would stand to benefit more with good relations with the Federal Government in terms of allocations.

“The Federal Government will definitely continue to channel allocations beyond what the state was allocated.

“This is what Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim does as Prime Minister,” he said during his speech at the Gawai 2023 Celebration Open House at the Kapit Auditorium here yesterday, Bernama reported.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said a cordial relationship will also enable every proposed plan and development programme to be implemented smoothly.

Separately, he announced the construction of the new Kolej Profesional Mara building in Kapit would start this year as it had already been approved.

He also announced the Nanga Samaram to Nanga Beguang road project worth RM170mil and the Jalan Sungai Sut-Rumah Juntan project worth RM60mil, the Kapit Alternative Water Supply Scheme worth RM60mil and the construction of the RM4.8mil Sungai Amang bridge that would connect Rumah Richard Engking to the main road will take off soon.

During the ‘People with the Leaders’ programme at the Rumah Richard Engking longhouse, Ahmad Zahid approved an allocation of RM1.3mil to upgrade the longhouse, including electrical wiring that would benefit its 400 tenants from 48 families who live there.

Ahmad Zahid also thanked Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for confirming his attendance at the Umno general assembly to be held from June 7-10.

He said this was confirmed when he visited the residence of Abang Johari, who is also the Sarawak Premier, in Kuching yesterday morning.

He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as chairman of the unity government and Pakatan Harapan, will also attend the assembly, along with Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

Ahmad Zahid said he also hopes that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor would attend the assembly.

“Nineteen party presidents of the unity government will be present and it is a good sign and appreciation for Umno and Barisan Nasional. We are striving to strengthen the unity government so that the cooperation forged will be more structured,” he said.

He said the strong support of members of the unity government was crucial for political stability, especially in facing the upcoming six state polls.

“We hope that victory will favour the component parties of the unity government,” he said.

He said former Umno members and members who are not delegates can also attend as observers.