SUPP lauds 2018 Budget allocation of RM1 billion to repair dilapidated schools
MIRI: The 2018 Budget allocation of RM1 billion to Sarawak for repairs of dilapidated schools using the Industrial Building System (IBS) has been lauded as the Prime Minister doing justice to Sarawak.
“This is our urgent need as many schools in Sarawak are in dilapidated condition. The need to provide a conducive environment for our children’s education is of great importance. To learn, they need to feel safe and comfortable,” said Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) secretary-general Dato Sebastian Ting.
“I appreciate our Prime Minister for seeing to the needs of Sarawak and Sabah by giving us a big slice of budget allocation which included the construction of Pan Borneo Highway and upgrading of rural roads and upgrading of communication infrastructure and broadband facilities in preparation for industry 4.0,” said Ting who is also Piasau assemblyman.
“It is noteworthy to point out that 2018 Budget is giving priority to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with an allocation of RM4.9 billion. As Sarawak is progressing to become a developed state by 2030 and the focus of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to transform the state’s economy through digital technology, we will need more local skilled workers,” said Ting.
Overall, Ting pointed out that 2018 Budget is an inclusive but strong and aggressive budget. It is a balanced budget covering all essential aspects to benefit all segments of society, including the poor, middle income, rural folks, public servants and young adults. The focus is given to Eight Budget Trusts that includes lowering high cost of living, more rural development, preparing the nation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and pushing for TN50 aspirations.
Ting pointed out that SUPP is happy with the 2018 Budget. “However, I wish to point out something that I was hoping would be mentioned in the budget but was not and that is the return of stamp duties for land dealings which was under state’s jurisdiction and rightfully the revenue collected should belong to the state as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.”