KUCHING: The authority given to Sarawak to approve development projects worth below RM50 million in the state is the right move to cut bureaucracy.
According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, he proposed the said idea to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) during the formation of the Unity Government.
He stated that such an arrangement was needed for the Borneo states.
“What happened before was there were projects meant for Sarawak but cannot be implemented due to bureaucracy.
“The moment the projects were approved, it is usually around the end of the year, hence, it cannot be implemented.
“That is why we need a new mechanism in terms of allowing the locals to implement certain projects,” he said.
He said this during his interview session with Money Matters broadcasted on TV3 today.
In light of this, he pointed out that in the state, there are a lot of rural projects, clinics, and schools that cost below RM50 million.
“Having them developed will uplift the wellbeing of the rural people. I have formed 10 development agencies at the state level and given authority to them. Each agency was given RM1.5 billion to implement projects within a period of three years.
“In other words, the federal government gives devolution of power to us and Sarawak gives power to these regional agencies which are able to penetrate the areas that must be developed.
“With this, the income level of the rural people will definitely increase and the economic activities will be able to run smoothly,” he said.
