KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has suggested that a trust fund be established in Sarawak.
Abang Johari said he had discussed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday (Dec 3) on a new administrative approach between the federal and Sarawak governments.
He said the Prime Minister had agreed in principle that the development projects in Sarawak funded by the federal government would be relooked through the proposed trust fund.
“This means that if Sarawak is allocated RM4 billion from the federal government for development projects in the state, then the RM4 billion will be placed under one trust fund in Sarawak.
“Hence, the new approach in administration between the federal government and the state government,” he told a press conference after declaring open the new wing of Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) hall near here, today.
Abang Johari also explained that the implementation of the projects in Sarawak would be decided by the state Ministry of Finance.
“This is a fairly good approach but the framework will be determined by a committee between the Finance Ministry and also the Prime Minister himself,” he added.
The GPS chairman also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for appointing five full ministers and a Deputy Prime Minister from Sarawak.
He said it certainly showed the federal government’s concern about the political development of the entire country.
“With the appointment of Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi as Works Minister, I hope that development projects in Sarawak will go on smoothly and the rural infrastructure development programme will be further enhanced.
“In addition, the appointment of Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities will ensure that Sarawak become the largest producer of palm oil,” he added.
