Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) and Sarawak PKR have expressed unhappiness that the state received little attention in Budget 2017.
SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian said that Budget 2017 would not do much to help Sarawak's much-needed socio-economic development.
"This is a rakyat-centric budget that the government focuses on infrastructures and amenities, as well as lay out plans to increase people's disposable income.
"Nevertheless, the budget is of no surprise to the people of Sarawak.
"We see that this budget fails to provide sufficient Sarawak-centric (policies) to boost socio-economic development in Sarawak," said Sim on his Facebook page today.
Sim, a member of Sarawak's state cabinet, also pointed out that a flyover for Kuching announced in Budget 2016 has yet to be completed.
He said Sarawak was still lagging behind Peninsular Malaysia and has to "compete" with other states for Putrajaya's favour.
"That is the exact reason SUPP reckons that Sarawak's constitutional position as one of three founding states of the Federation of Malaysia needs to be restored," he said.
Forgotten election promises
Similarly, Sarawak PKR vice-chairperson See Chee How cautioned that the Budget 2017 is a wake-up call for political leaders in East Malaysian states to work together to demand for equitable development and economic justice.
"For Sabah and Sarawak, Budget 2017 is a dishonour for the prime minister and the Umno-led federal government," he said in a statement.
See said that Budget 2017's little focus on Sarawak was indicative of Putrajaya's lack of sincerity and commitment towards Sabah and Sarawak, despite the many promises during the recently-concluded May 7 Sarawak elections.
"It smacks of the sheer arrogance of the Umno-led BN in treating Sarawak and Sabah as their electoral fixed deposit states," he added.
"The state (Sarawak) continues to be prejudiced and deprived of the socio-economic development.
"We have to make a critical decision to mobilise a considerable sum from our state reserves to take care of our essential needs. -Mkini
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