KUALA LUMPUR – Calls for more autonomy in Sabah continue in Parliament as Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan-BN) urged Putrajaya to devise a new strategy for the state’s development.
He reminded the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia was formed with the participation of Sabah and Sarawak – thus, it is the government’s duty to ensure equitable development allocations for the state.
“Sabah can’t be viewed like other states.
“Even from the perspective of land area, it’s different from other states, so we need a new approach to bring Sabah out from poverty, and economic and infrastructure problems,” Bung said during the committee stage debate for Budget 2022.
The Barisan Nasional lawmaker pointed out that Sabahans have visited Peninsular Malaysia, and are aware of the development on the mainland.
“They see roads that are paved up to their homes.
“In Sabah, main roads are yet to be completed, what more could be said about rural areas.”
He said Putrajaya should at least allocate RM10 billion-RM15 billion for the state’s development, and award Sabah some autonomy to plan its own development.
Bung warned that if nothing changes, MPs from Sabah will continue singing the same tune for decades to come.
“The Finance Ministry (MoF) and perhaps, the prime minister, must discuss these matters with Sabahans on how to manage the state properly.
“Sabah can’t do it on its own in terms of finances, as our income has been taken by Peninsular Malaysia via taxes and royalties.
“We are not demanding it all back, but for a fair allocation,” Bung explained.
He urged MoF to use wisdom, reminding it that Sabah is a part of the country and that without it, Malaysia may not be a successful nation. – The Vibes, November 24, 2021
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