SIBU: An actual commitment by the federal government to equal partnership with Sarawak and Sabah can finally be seen through the Unity Government, said Steven Sim.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) National Organising Secretary stressed that the increase in allocation to Sabah and Sarawak in Budget 2023 is one of the commitments made by the Unity Government to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“In the special allocation under Article 112E of the Federal Constitution. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had raised it from RM16mil last year to RM300 million in Budget 2023 for Sarawak,” he said.
The federal Deputy Minister of Finance said this at the 20th Sarawak DAP Annual Conference here, Sunday (March 12).
Sim noted that Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, had announced a RM600 million special allocation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Sarawak last week.
“Overall, the allocation for Sarawak has increased from RM4.6 billion to RM5.6 billion, an extra RM1 billion for development expenditure.
“This shows that the government is committed towards recognising the rights of Sabah and Sarawak and in all these especially DAP in Sarawak stood firm on the issue of MA63,” he said.
Sim also proposed three items to further strengthen its role at the state level, firstly to use the party as a platform and work hard.
“Secondly, continue to be the voice of the people in highlighting certain issues and lastly, continue to be a fortress to prevent racist extremist politics not only in Sarawak but also in Malaysia,” he said.
Sim stressed that Sarawak DAP will continue to be the ‘voice of conscience’ for the people whether they are in the opposition or the government.
“You are not alone and powerless because you are part of the unity government,” he said.
Also present were Sarawak DAP Chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Lanang MP Alice Lau, Bandar Kuching MP Dr. Kelvin Yii, and others.
