KOTA KINABALU – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the close relationship between the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government and federal government is something that will be continued.
“The support of the federal government towards the GRS state government is 110%,” he said, adding that he is in constant communication with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, with whom he has built a close kinship.
Muhyiddin said this has allowed the state’s needs, no matter what they are, to be given priority and attention.
“Even though the state government has not requested funding, the federal government has provided it with funds to deal with the Covid-19 issue.
“If it is something important and necessary and needs to be done quickly, we won’t wait. We know what the problem is, and will take immediate action to assist so the issue can be overcome.
“Thus, the close relationship built between the federal and state governments will be continued.”
He said this in his speech during a dinner event hosted by GRS, themed Leaders with the Rakyat, at a hotel here this evening.
The event marked the start of Muhyiddin’s two-day official visit to Sabah.
According to a spokesman from the Chief Minister’s Office, the visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the state and federal governments, in addition to facilitating comprehensive development planning for Sabah.
The visit is the first by Muhyiddin since GRS, which comprises Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional, and Parti Bersatu Sabah, was formed to take power in Sabah after the state election in September last year.
Meanwhile, Hajiji thanked and praised Muhyiddin for his role in contributing towards GRS’ win in the last state election.
He also lauded Muhyiddin for being attentive to Sabah’s needs and for the commitment of the federal government in assisting the state.
“As soon as the GRS government was formed, he ordered immediate negotiations to be started between the state government and Petronas,” Hajiji said, adding that he was pleased to report that Petronas has started paying petroleum product sales tax of 5%.
Earlier, it was reported that Sabah had sought the same amount as that received by Sarawak from Petronas in regards to the commercial agreement on sales taxes of petroleum products and regulatory authority issues.
Starting next year, Sabah is expected to collect petroleum sales tax worth RM1.25 billion, which will be the highest contributor to its revenue next year. – The Vibes, March 21, 2021
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