KUCHING: The Sarawak government is looking into feasible mechanisms that would spur forward dilapidated projects in schools and clinics.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said proper mechanisms and streamlining processes would expedite the provision of proper facilities for medical officers, nurses, teachers and school administrative staff.
“We are studying these mechanisms to address residential issues for clinical staff, teachers, and school administrative personnel,” he explained.
He outlined that Sarawak is committed to initiating projects with its own funds, expecting federal contributions subsequently.
“This initiative is between the state government and the federal government, we (state government) will use our own funds while the federal government will contribute its funds later as this is the state government’s responsibility (providing condusive learning and health facility).
“Therefore, this is a federal government (project), and we will have a mechanism that will ensure that they (federal government) will reimburse Sarawak’s spending,” he told reporters at his second day Hari Raya open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Thursday (April 11).
Abang Johari added that he had reached an agreement with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and senior federal officials have endorsed this agreement.
“However it’s much more important on how the federal government can return the funds back to Sarawak through proper mechanism between the Finance Ministry and us (state government),” he said.
Adding on, he said it is important to provide comfortable schools and clinics with improved facilities for the benefit of the people.
“I would like to thank the prime minister because this is the first time where the state government contributes first while the federal government reimburses the funds later.
“This does not mean, as people often say, that Sarawak has a lot of money, but rather a strategic use of resources to support federal projects,” he added.
