PM Anwar defends larger development allocations for Sabah, Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27: The Government defends the decision to provide greater development allocation for Sabah and Sarawak based on geographical and infrastructure needs in both states.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the need included dire road conditions in some areas of Sabah despite its smaller population than other states.

"Let us not look from the perspective of a single state, which is to serve Sabah and Sarawak.

"No, the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63) must be seen as a national treaty. It is in our interest to take care of the interests of all", he said in response to additional questions from Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee (PN-Wauran) at the Ministers' Question Time session in the Lok Sabha today.

Ronald asked for clarification on the measures to reduce or not allocate funds for some projects in Sabah and Sarawak under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), whereas under MA63 both states are entitled to more allocation, besides raising the possibility that the matter is affected by political differences.

Responding to the matter, Anwar said the development allocations for Sabah and Sarawak announced in Budget 2027 did not include expenses for projects under KKDW raised by the Member of Parliament concerned.

"...that we announce are projects approved according to the latest estimates", he said.

Anwar said the government acknowledges that development allocations will not be able to meet all needs, but good governance must be ensured to avoid a succession.

He said procurement and contracting affairs should also be examined to comply with the regulations and take into account the feasibility of implementation of the project. -TVS