Close ties between federal, state governments vital, says Treasury sec-gen
KUCHING: The close cooperation between the federal and state governments will enable allocations to be channelled rapidly to the state.
Treasury Secretary- General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah said this would, in turn, allow federal projects to be implemented smoothly for the benefit of the people.
He said this during his courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the latter’s office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday, where the two discussed the implementation of federal government projects for the state.
Mohd Irwan said among the provisions discussed included funds to improve schools in Sarawak amounting to RM1 billion, as well as those for the development of high- speed Internet infrastructure – also amounting to RM1 billion.
Earlier, Abang Johari received a courtesy call from Telekom Malaysia (TM) executive director and deputy group chief executive officer Datuk Bazlan Osman, who gave his assurance of TM to continue supporting the state’s digital economy aspirations not only through high- speed Internet, but also in terms of content, online television channels, mobile phone service as well as WiFi service.
The visit also served to introduce the new TM Sarawak general manager Jafer Sadig Abdul Lathiff to the chief minister.
In his remarks, Bazlan said TM had created 1,300 job opportunities in the state, of which 99 per cent were meant for locals.
He also assured Abang Johari that TM would continue to support the state by providing more job opportunities to Sarawakians.
Bazlan was accompanied by TM chief strategy officer Dato Kairul Annuar Mohamed Zamzam.