KOTA KINABALU – Sabah and Sarawak will receive an allocation of RM9.13 billion, an additional RM7.7 billion to upgrade its internet network and a pledge to restore the two states as equal partners.
In announcing his list of Malaysia Day goodies this evening, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said RM4.66 billion and RM4.47 billion is allocated for Sabah and Sarawak, respectively.
The funds will be channelled under Rolling Plan 1 2021 of the 12th Malaysia Plan, which will be tabled in Parliament on September 27.
“This development fund is among the highest compared with other states. It proves the government’s high commitment towards the economic development and welfare of the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
“Based on the principle of working with the rakyat, the government will continue to focus on the people of Sabah and Sarawak so that prosperity can be enjoyed equally,” he said in his speech at the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
On the need for Malaysians to have high-speed internet connection, the government is also allocating RM3.61 billion and RM4.09 billion for the purpose in Sabah and Sarawak, respectively.
Under the Jalinan Digital Negara (Jendela) initiative, better and wider coverage as well as internet facilities will be assured for the 3.8 million residents of Sabah and 2.8 million Sarawakians.
“We hope that, in the future, we will not hear of any member of the ‘Malaysian Family’ having to climb a tree or roof in search of internet connection.
“No one will be left behind, everyone will have access to the digital world, and everyone must be connected,” Ismail Sabri said.
He also promised that the government, through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA3) Special Committee, will focus on issues relating to the interests of Sabah and Sarawak.
“The government will continue to refine matters that need to be resolved through negotiations, through the committee that I will chair, alongside its members – the chief ministers of Sabah and Sarawak, and eight federal ministers,” he said.
Earlier, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor in his speech said that while the Sabah government has been fighting for its rights under MA63, their fight is not only in the interest of Sabah, but also out of love and loyalty for the federation of Malaysia.
“This country that we have formed together, it is our wish to see that Sabah and Sarawak are given significant recognition to make Malaysia more developed, prosperous and peaceful,” he said.
Hajiji said that the Sabah government is confident that the prime minister will try his best to fulfil the terms set out in MA63 based on the spirit of the “Malaysian Family”.
“The people of Sabah also welcomes the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ concept introduced by the prime minister due to its inclusiveness that cuts across racial and religious lines.
“The concept should be made the core principles in nation-building and community development,” he said.
Ismail Sabri, Hajiji and Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan ended the celebration by signing a special book symbolising the formation of Malaysia 58 years ago. – The Vibes, September 16, 2021
Additional reporting by Jason Santos
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