By KUCHING: The state government is serious in ensuring that Sarawak is developed by continuing to implement development projects that has been planned for the state said Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
The chief political secretary to the premier said it is crucial that these projects are implemented for the sake of economic growth in the state as well as development of its people.
“It is no secret that Sarawak is in need of expedited development particularly in terms of infrastructure, amenities as well as basic facilities such as continuous electricity and treated water supply and also digital infrastructure development.
“Not only will continuous implementation of development projects would ensure that sorely needed facilities will be delivered to the people, it too, will contribute to the overall economic growth,” he said in a statement today (July 20).
He said this when asked to comment on the state government’s move to continue its planned development projects despite the austerity measures by the federal government.
Fazzrudin, who is also Tupong assemblyman said the projects are a boon to the socioeconomic of rural communities in the state, whereby a wide range of spillver effects would take place including human capital development.
He said the Sarawak government’s principle to push for rural development has not wavered.
“Year after year, the Sarawak government has tabled State Budgets that are rural centric and development biased, this principle has not changed.
“We are able to do this due to our prudent financial management as well as the success of the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) in embarking on alternative revenue streams to diversify Sarawak’s income,” he said.
He said an example of this was the implementation of the State Sales Tax (SST) and as well as monetising the state’s carbon credit resources.
“This is as well as seeking the return of state rights whereby the state is entitled to an amount of special grants from the federal government under the Federal Constitution”.
Last week, the federal government announced that it will take measures to optimise public expenditure by postponing projects or cancelling those that have yet to be commenced.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the money would be channelled for the welfare of the people and economic recovery.
He added that the move was in response to a directive issued in the Malaysia Treasury Circular — Guidelines on Public Expenditure Savings.
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