KUCHING: Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman has expressed his full support for the newly announced 2022 State Budget, describing it as inclusive, people-centric and development bias, to ensure the continuity of the state’s development agenda.
“Although it is stated in Section 11 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021 that the Budget does not need to be approved by the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), the state government led by the chief minister has taken the initiative to hold an engagement session with all state assemblymen.”
He said this was to explain the approach of the state government in formulating the State Budget for next year and to provide clarification for issues that might arise.
“This was to ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability in using public funds,” he said on Tuesday (Oct 12).
“I welcome the State Budget for 2022 which amounts to RM10.646 bln, of which RM6.6 bln is allocated for development expenditure and RM4.046 bln for operating expenditure.”
He said the 2022 State Budget was an expansionary one to promote local economic growth based on protecting lives and livelihood – saving the people’s lives and ensuring their survival during the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the same time, Fazzrudin emphasised that the state government welcomed the participation of youth in the country’s democratic process through the implementation of Undi18.
“Today’s youth are mature, knowledgeable and have received proper exposure in terms of the nation’s administration. This group is also aware of current political developments and policies implemented by the government.”
He pointed out that the state government had created various initiatives and programmes which had benefitted the youth, especially in terms of education.
“Among them is the incentive to pay 30 percent of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan to eligible borrowers.
“The state government has also created the Graduan Pulang Sarawak initiative (iGPS) for Sarawak students studying at higher learning institutions in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan.”
Fazzrudin, who is also Sarawak Volunteers (SV) advisor, said this was also supported by SV, which helped Sarawak children in the Peninsula, Sabah, and Labuan who were facing problems and difficulties arising from the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is a continuous effort of the state government in benefitting the youth, and I believe the youth can evaluate for themselves the policies introduced by the government in empowering their role.”
