KUCHING: The federal government was told to provide equal allocation to Sarawak and Sabah.
Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi said despite Sarawak receiving an increase of RM158 million for the 2022 Budget compared to 2021, many wondered why the state is receiving less compared to Sabah.
“I request for the Finance Minister to provide justification and details on the matter; this does not mean that Sarawak should get more than Sabah, but it would be good if both states are given an equal allocation,” he said when debating on the 2022 Budget during a parliament sitting on Thursday.
Meanwhile, on the Budget, the MP said it was inclusive with a comprehensive approach to help the people and recover the economy from the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The government has gotten its priorities right by always listening to the people’s grievances by featuring various initiatives such as targeted cash assistance, creating jobs, upgrading rural infrastructure and reducing the cost of living,” he said.
Ahmad Johnie said the 2022 Budget, which allocated an expenditure of RM332.1 billion, showed the government’s seriousness and commitment to help restore the lives of the people in a Malaysian family across religious, racial and ethnic boundaries.
On the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he said the people of Sarawak are looking forward to the latest development on issues decided by the MA63 Special Council.
“What are the things that have been agreed upon before and what are the other unresolved issues?”
“These are the issue of oil royalties and petroleum cash payments, the issue of oil minerals and oil fields, the issue of the Territorial Sea Act 2012 (Act 750), and the state’s rights over the Continental Shelf,” he said.
He urged that the government strengthen its commitment to fulfil the MA63 due to its significance to the people of Sarawak and Sabah in strengthening the spirit of national unity and integration in the context of the Malaysian Family.
