KUCHING: The credibility of the unity government will be determined by how well it does in implementing initiatives within 100 days of taking office.
With the objective of convincing the nation that the government is serious and works to implement the manifesto – fighting for efforts to assist the people in reducing the cost of living and fighting against poverty – the unity government is in power during the relevant 100-day period.
The Dayak Think Tank Association of Sarawak’s (DTTAS) founder, Wellie Henry Majang, asserted that whether the period of 100 days is enough or not, it is up to the people to evaluate the current performance of the government.
He noted that the political stability of Sarawak continues to influence at the federal level until the establishment of the current government with the support of members of Parliament (MPs) from Sarawak.
“We wish to see a decrease in the concentration of power (decentralisation), which entails enhancing the independence of Sabah or Sarawak with institutions operating in the peninsula.
“Sarawak ought to receive adequate funding in neglected areas or receive adequate protection,” he said to New Sarawak Tribune.
Therefore, he stressed, the cut in allocations for MPs should be reviewed, taking into account the needs of the people and diverse areas, especially in the hinterland, and particularly for MPs from Sarawak.
The decision is quite unexpected, especially for Sarawak’s parliamentary constituencies, he said.
He pointed out that Sarawak faces many geographical difficulties due to its remote location, and the lack of available resources will make it more difficult to manage the population’s diverse needs and improve infrastructure in areas where it is most needed.
“The reduction in the development allocation for MPs will certainly affect the quality of government services and assistance that can be channelled by the elected representatives,” he lamented.
“Therefore, how do we ensure that the people can be helped in the best way in line with the wishes of Malaysia Madani?”
He noted the unity government is committed to bridge the economic and development gap between the three regions of Malaysia as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but slashing funding to MPs is not a smart way to start.
This, he added, calls for maintaining and expanding the current provision while also taking into account the significantly bigger size of the constituencies in Sarawak and Sabah as well as the issue of poverty and the poverty of those regions’ dwellers.
Wellie said the members of public will perceive MPs as ineffective if they are unable to carry out projects, which will have an impact on how the government is viewed.
He asserted that it is inappropriate to defend the policies put forth by the current government by pointing to the errors of the previous government.
“Most importantly, is the promise that has been given to the people to be fulfilled and implemented within 100 days, and can we do it by cutting the allocation of parliamentarians?
“The achievement of 100 days of the unity government is still a question because no significant impact has yet occurred,” said Wellie.
