KUCHING: Sarawak’s autonomy to approve development projects costing less than RM50 million should expedite efforts to repair dilapidated schools and clinics in the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised this to Sarawak Federal Secretary, Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan during the later’s courtesy visit at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Wednesday.
Ahmad Nadzri told reporters after the visit that the Premier wanted the improvement and upgrading of dilapidated schools and clinics in the state to be expedited.
“Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari also shared his views on national security and defence, especially on the land and marine borders at the South China Sea.
“Those are the two main points that the Premier wanted me to extend to the relevant parties in the Federal government. The ministries involved need to take immediate action.
“For example, dilapidated schools have a special allocation below RM50 million to be implemented by the state government. The premier wanted it expedited. The Education Ministry and the Health Ministry should make use of the allocation,” he said.
On Jan 4, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Finance Ministry agreed for the implementation of any project with a cost below RM50 million in Sabah and Sarawak to be almost entirely decided by the state governments, subject to compliance with financial regulations.
And on Jan 26, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that her ministry had identified 568 schools in dilapidated condition in Sarawak.
