Sarawak premier moots trust fund for federal projects in state

 

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg has proposed that a state trust fund be established under the Finance Ministry to regulate federal government funds and projects approved for Sarawak.

He said this new approach was discussed with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, in a meeting held yesterday.

"I proposed that a new approach be adopted in the central and state administrative system and he has agreed in principle to review the federal-funded development projects in Sarawak," he told a press conference after opening the Sarawak Badminton Association Hall and officiating at the Abang Jo Cup 2022 today.

Citing an example, he said the RM4.6 billion development fund allocation for the state in Budget 2022 could be put under the trust fund.

Abang Johari (above) said the framework for the establishment of the fund will be determined by a committee under the Finance Ministry supervised by the prime minister.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairperson, said the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof as plantation industries and commodities minister was most appropriate considering that Sarawak is expected to become the country's largest producer of palm oil in the next two years.

"In addition, carbon and hydrogen will be Sarawak’s new commodities, so the federal government will be able to help us in carbon trading at the international level," he said.

He said Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi, who has taken over Fadillah's Works Ministry portfolio would be able to ensure that rural infrastructure programmes in Sarawak would continue to be improved.

Apart from Fadillah and Nanta, three other GPS representatives who have been included in the unity government cabinet are Tiong King Sing as tourism minister, Nancy Shukri (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry) and Aaron Ago Dagang (National Unity Ministry).

On the sports sector in the state, Abang Johari said that besides focusing on improving badminton players, he also wanted issues related to football and sepak takraw in the state to be looked into.

"We have several stadiums in Sarawak and more mini stadiums will be built throughout the state to propel Malaysian sports to greater heights," he said.

- Bernama