Sarawak offers RM1 billion loan to PH government
BETONG: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is willing to offer RM1 billion loan to the federal government to rebuild dilapidated schools throughout Sarawak if the Ministry of Education is facing fund shortage.
Abang Johari made the offer when officiating at the state-level Teachers Day celebration at Tan Sri Datuk Amar Kalong Ningkan hall here yesterday.
“I don't want Sarawak to be isolated from development that is taking place worldwide now. I have suggested to them why not use our funds first but you must pay back. I offered RM1 billion, but the previous federal government said they have money. I hope the new government will continue with the pledge to upgrade our dilapidated schools.
“We cannot wait for too long and if they cannot afford, I am willing to give them loan of RM1 billion to develop these dilapidated schools. This is not politics, this is about the needs of our children,” he stressed.
The Chief Minister also said he could not understand why the Education Ministry was not taking proactive measures to connect schools to available power grid but chose to use dieselpowered generators.
“I visited one school in Bintulu affected by the recent flood and found that the school is in very close proximity to power transformer but they chose to use diesel powered generator, very illogical - something which is not right,” he quipped.
This, he added, seems to be a plot to enrich diesel suppliers at the expense of the poor children who were being deprived of the most basic needs of modern day education.
“If the federal education ministry agrees, we will connect these schools with the state power grid. If they need RM50 million, I will approve RM50 million to get it done for the sake of rural children,” he emphasised.