‘Sabah, Sarawak’s growth restrained under Dr M’

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah and Sarawak’s growth was “restrained” under former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s rule, which saw a neglect in physical development.

Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa said compared with the current administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, both states could not flourish and importance was disregarded due to Barisan Nasional’s immense political clout back then.

“We are familiar with Dr Mahathir’s approach. He put Sabah and Sarawak on a tight leash to a point both states could not ‘ breathe’, unlike under Najib’s leadership.

“Due to BN’s political strength back then, Dr Mahathir took Sarawak (for example) for granted. Unlike Najib, Dr Mahathir ‘overlooked’ (efforts) to provide infrastructure, such as the PanBorneo Highway project. He (Dr Mahathir) did not look into issues in the interiors of Sarawak.

“I was the rural development minister back then, and we (Dr Mahathir ’s government) only gave a cursory look (into matters in the state),” Annuar said during an interview in Bicara BH titled “PRU14 — Antara Mimpi & Realiti” yesterday, which was moderated by BH associate editor (current affairs) Kadir Dikoh.

Annuar said Dr Mahathir’s recent pledge to review the treaty on the states’ rights and autonomy under Malaysia Agreement 1963, came too late as he did not have the people’s mandate.

“It is only now that he wants to review it (the agreement). He could have done so with us when he was the prime minister.

“He did not want to do when he had the (people’s) mandate. And now he wants to do it when he no longer holds the mandate.”

The move to review the agreement was seen as an attempt to fool the Sarawak people into voting for the opposition, he said.

“Sarawakians are smart when it comes to politics and they are consistently dynamic.

“I think there are certain matters raised by them which have, and always been stipulated under their rights.

“Moreover, Najib, who is open in his approach, is ever ready to look into (the Sarawak people’s demands) as he is aware that they, too, have rights (as outlined in the agreement).

“It is a matter that can be discussed with sincerity.”