Search

Masing: RM11.941bil and not a single sen drawn from RM31bil reserve

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email

AT RM11.914bil, it is not only Sarawak’s biggest ever budget but that despite its size, the state’s reserve of RM31bil remains untouched.

In stating this yesterday, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said the budget derived revenue earned through the use of commodities sales tax, especially oil and gas.

Masing, who is Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation (MIDT), said the rural-biased budget meant that his ministry would be directly involved with the implementation of the infrastructure projects.

“As the minister, I will ensure they will be implemented as soon as possible and prudently, to ensure they benefit Sarawakians,” he told reporters after the tabling of the State Budget 2019 by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi  Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday.

The Parti Rakyat Sarawak president assured that the projects would be implemented on time and according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

“I will do it in a way that is proper and prudent. I don’t want the opposition to tell me what to do,” he stressed.

In a note sent to New Sarawak Tribune, he further said: “It is my hope that the opposition will not become an obstacle to the development of the rural areas.

“My only worry at the moment is while we have enough human capital, we may not have enough construction materials.

“I have instructed JKR (Public Works Department) to do an audit on our materials, and if these are not enough, to suggest ways to overcome any shortage and shortcomings.”

He said for these projects to succeed, it was incumbent on Sarawakians across the political divide to give their undivided support and cooperation.

Download from Apple Store or Play Store.