KOTA KINABALU – Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has proposed that the government shift the RM1 billion allocation in Budget 2021 under “Other Constructions” in the peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak.
“The 'other constructions' part (in Budget 2021) for the peninsula was allocated RM1.029 billion. I have proposed RM1 billion be distributed to Sabah and Sarawak; RM500 million to Sabah and RM500 million to Sarawak. The peninsula can have RM29 million.
“I have made this proposal to the secretary of the Dewan Rakyat because only RM100 was allocated for road works in Sabah,” he said.
While Budget 2021 has allocated RM100 for roads in Sabah under the Works Ministry, it also stated that RM380 million is needed for road works and RM58 million was spent for the purpose last year.
“The Budget allocated RM100 for road repairs in Sabah when RM14 million is needed for the project. However, the Budget states that no money was spent on road repairs last year.”
Tangau, who is also the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president, said: “The public is aware that federal roads in Sabah and Sarawak desperately need to be upgraded for the development of the states.
"I hope my proposal will be passed by the speaker to be debated and considered for approval in the August House, before the speech by the Works Ministry in the committee stage.
“I also made this proposal as I have the responsibility, as a Sabah MP, and I am deeply concerned by Sabah and Sarawak's infrastructure level, whish is still far behind the peninsula.”
The proposal was made under 66(9) of the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat. – The Vibes, December 4, 2020
