CHIEF Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg warned assemblymen to not hastily compare the alternative financing model of the State 2020 Budget to that of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
“It saddens me that ignorance of some honourable members is blurring the good intention of the government in solving the everyday problems faced by our rakyat,” he said during his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday.
“Honourable members of this august House should not hastily jump into conclusion that the alternative financing model the Sarawak Government adopted is similar to 1MDB, without fully understanding how it works and the benefits derived from it.”
Abang Johari defended the state’s decision to adopt the model and insisted that Sarawak has to be creative, develop new mechanism and even explore unchartered waters if necessary.
“Due to the many competing demands for our financial resources, conventional financing model is no longer a viable option, thus, this alternative financing initiative that I and my Cabinet colleagues are rigorously pursuing.
“We have to look for other financing models that can help achieve our development goals, particularly in the area of physical infrastructure and amenities.”
