MIRI: With the anticipation of Budget 2019 which is scheduled to be tabled today by Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, many have expressed their expectations on it. The budget will be the first to be tabled under a new leadership, the Pakatan Harapan Government since winning the 14th General Election on May 9, 2018. Dr Mahathir in a recent interview revealed that the budget would need everyone to sacrifice and described it as a ‘careful budget’.
People from all walks of life have been discussing how the government will manage the national debt which has amounted to RM1 trillion and at the same time improve the lives of its people.
Vice President of Sarawak Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAICCI), Karambir Singh hoped that the federal government will have specific allocation for Indian entrepreneurs in Sarawak and start up initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship amongst Indians in the state. “In the event that Sarawak Indians are left out of the budget, we hope the Sarawak government can step in and provide the necessary support,” he pointed out.
He also said that provisions for financial support towards either purchase of buildings or construction of centres for activities would also be a good intiative by both governments. “These centres run by Indian-based organisations can be a catalyst for economic activities and meeting point to coordinate entrepreneurship. “Allocation of funds for our children’s higher education would also help to alleviate the financial burden of Indian parents here.
“In the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan, the federal government has acknowledged the backward economic status of Sarawak under the category of ‘Accelerating development in Sabah and Sarawak’.
“Accordingly the federal government has proposed to uplift Sarawak through intensifying economic growth and development planning, improving infrastructure for better connectivity rural linkages, expanding access to basic infrastructure, amenities and services, increasing employment opportunities, enhancing the development of customary land,” he said.
Karambir, who is also the President of Miri Indian Association, opined that the development of urban areas in Sarawak must also be included to ensure continued economic growth and good infrastucture for majority of the population. “If the federal government falls short in their delivery, the Sarawak government will face the burden of taking up the slack. “It would seem that we are being punished for good governance of our financial resources.
“Ultimately it is only fair and equitable for Sarawakians to benefit for being part of the Federation and to gain from its oil and gas,” he said. Meanwhile, for local community leaders from Long Makaba, Ulu Baram, Penghulu Jalong Tanyit, 69, he hoped the budget would not sideline those in Sarawak especially those living in the rural areas. “I hope the new federal government will give allocation for us in the rural areas,” he said. For Councillor (Cr) Simpson Njock, 59, he expected that the Budget 2019 to give more focus towards rural development.
“Develop our telecommunication networks in the rural areas as it is very crucial in our daily life especially during emergency,” he said. For community leader, Temenggong Elizabeth Deng, she hoped projects that have been discontinued recently after the new federal government took over from Barisan Nasional (BN) can be continued. “Don’t forget about Sarawak, please carry on with those projects for the sake of the Rakyat,” she said.
