KUCHING: Sarawak welcomes any increase in its special grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
He said detailed discussions had yet to take place between the Sarawak and federal governments on increasing the amount of the grant.
"I thank the Federal Government if they increase the allocation under Article 112D.
"When I met the Prime Minister in Bintulu, he said he would look into it but did not mention any amount.
"Maybe the Finance Ministry will discuss it further because this comes from them. On behalf of Sarawak, we welcome whatever is given," he told reporters after launching Western Digital Sarawak's advanced manufacturing operations here on Thursday (July 2).
On Tuesday (June 30), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said discussions were underway to review and increase Sarawak's interim payment following the increase in Sabah's allocation to RM1.5bil.
The Prime Minister told Parliament that it was appropriate for the increase to be considered in the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Sarawak currently receives an interim special grant of RM600mil pending a finalised formula for the review of the allocation.
Asked if Sarawak's proposed formula for the review could increase the special grant to RM1.5bil, Abang Johari said the amount depended on Putrajaya's financial capability.
"We are also sympathetic to them. If they have money, why not share it? But if the financial situation does not permit it, we also share with them because Malaysia is one nation," he said.
He added that the Federal Government could also provide other means of financial assistance, such as tax incentives for green industries and hydrogen energy.
