Sarawak remains close to Federal Government’s heart, assures Ahmad Zahid
KUCHING: The Prime Minister’s announcement of RM1 billion in Budget 2018 to Sarawak for the repair of dilapidated schools in the state is further proof that Sarawak remains close to the federal government’s heart.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said though the state government had initially intended to use funds from its Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) for this purpose, the Prime Minister decided that the federal government would help Sarawak out as the state’s emphasis on this matter was a wise one.
“(Chief Minister) Datuk Patinggi Abang Jo had previously discussed with me concerning the need to repair dilapidated schools in Sarawak. He had then proposed to use RM1 billion from DBOS for this purpose.
“When I relayed his intention to the Prime Minister on how we ought to help Sarawak in terms of its education sector, schools and students, I could sense from the body language he gave me was that the proposal from the state government was a wise one,” he said at the ‘Ekspresi Negaraku’ event held at Celebration Square here yesterday.
Following this, Ahmad Zahid said the state government was given two weeks to submit a working paper to the National Economic Action Council chaired by Najib.
“I had initially thought that the Prime Minister agreed with the state government’s proposal to use funds from DBOS but last Oct 27, he had instead approved the allocation of RM1 billion to Sarawak without touching any funds from DBOS.”
He joked that if it wasn’t for Abang Johari’s “muka manis” (sweet demeanor), Najib probably would not have listened to the proposal.
“Now, I don’t think Datuk Patinggi Abang Jo has ‘jampi’ (magical powers) but due to his sincerity and the support from the people, that is why the Prime Minister had agreed to allocate RM1 billion,” he remarked.
Ahmad Zahid also noted that when Sabah heard of this, it also applied for the same and the request was approved by Najib.
“This proved that the allocation from the federal government is not solely focused on Peninsular Malaysia, nor is it a question of ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ or ‘Sarawak for Sarawakians’, but more of the government’s priority in ensuring the wellbeing of its people.
“Harmony, comfort and wellbeing do not fall from the sky but rather, these are due to good leadership which has garnered support from the people and is then inherited and championed,” he said, adding that it was important that these attributes be nurtured and safeguarded for all times.
On ‘Ekspresi Negaraku’, Ahmad Zahid said the programme was a manifestation of the state and federal governments’ caring attitude towards the people regardless of race, religion or background.
“It is not rhetoric but instead all development programmes which have been planned by the government are continuously implemented for the benefit of all Malaysians.”
Among those present at the programme were Abang Johari, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Masir Kujat, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani and State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohammad Asfia Awang Nassar.