KUCHING: Sarawak should have been allocated at least RM10 billion under Budget 2023, says a political observer.
Datuk Peter Minos argued that considering the physical size of Sarawak and the need for the state to catch up with Malaya in all aspects while accelerating development, Sarawak should have been allocated at least RM10 billion for 2023.
He said since Sarawak in its own budget had allocated over RM10 billion for 2023 the federal government should have matched this allocation.
“Sarawak badly needs that RM10 billion at least from the federal government per year for development projects such as road connectivity, electricity, treated water, clinics and schools in the rural areas. Allocating only RM5.6 billion is hardly enough.
“If the federal government provides RM10 billion to match Sarawak’s own budget, a total of over RM20 billion would be just nice for the state to catch up with Peninsular Malaysia.
“This will enable development in the state to move up in real earnest. This is how I see it from the viewpoint of a Sarawakian,” he said.
Minos pointed out that Sarawak currently relies much on itself for funds to develop and progress economically.
While Sarawak appreciates the allocation of RM5.6 billion from the federal government and funds from the federal ministries and agencies to be used in the state for this year, it is hardly enough, he reckoned.
“As past experiences and from the previous years since 1963 have shown, such an allocation is just not enough. This is the logic behind Sarawak wanting and seeking for more allocation, it is not merely for the sake of asking.
“Hopefully next year and in the future, the federal government will rethink, review and give more funds to Sarawak. This is a shared hope of all Sarawakians for our beloved Sarawak,” he added.
