Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (standing left), accompanied by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg (right), greeting the Bidayuh "ring ladies" at the state Gawai dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Saturday (June 22) night. The women are among the last five who still wear traditional copper rings on their arms and calves. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: The Federal Government will reimburse RM100mil to Sarawak immediately for the upgrading of dilapidated schools and clinics in the state, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said he would instruct the Finance Ministry on Monday (June 24) to approve the funds.
"This will enable the projects to go ahead.
"Otherwise, every time I meet the Premier (Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg), he will ask about settling debts," he quipped.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said this at the state Gawai dinner here on Saturday (June 22) night.
He was responding to Abang Johari's announcement that the state government had set aside RM200mil to implement upgrading projects for dilapidated schools and clinics.
This comes after the federal and state governments agreed earlier this year for Sarawak to provide initial financing for federal projects to speed up their implementation.
The Federal Government would reimburse the expenses later.
In his speech, Abang Johari thanked Anwar for agreeing to the collaboration between the federal and state governments to expedite the implementation of federal projects, particularly upgrading schools and clinics, with initial funding from the state.
He said the state government was allocating RM100mil for dilapidated schools and another RM100mil for dilapidated clinics.
"The projects are to be implemented within 18 months.
"This is a good collaboration that will bring positive results in rural development," Abang Johari said.
