KUCHING: The federal government’s no-fund excuse and its reasoning that certain projects are of low priority when terminating them have pushed the state government to take matters into its own hands.
Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stated that after the last 14th general election (GE14), many government projects in Sarawak went downhill or simply cancelled.
“Projects under the purview of the federal government were terminated if they had not started. Some which already took off were allowed to proceed but with much reduced funding,” he said.
“Many of them are water and electricity projects, roads and bridges, and others that we consider basic infrastructure.”
Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman, explained that in Malaysia’s form of federalism the federal government and each state government has certain responsibilities and jurisdictions as outlined in the Federal Constitution.
“Some matters come under the purview of the federal government while others are under the state governments. These matters include development projects,” he said.
Karim further stated that the state government cannot afford to “play politics” or stand aside while development projects (which could improve people’s lives) get terminated.
“That’s why the state government is taking over some of the projects which should be carried out by the federal government.
“Though it will be a big burden for the state government, Sarawak is steadfast in looking after its people.
“We hope Sarawakians would appreciate what the state government has done for them and reciprocate positively when the next election comes around,” he said.
