Sarawak's prudent financial management allows development projects to continue - Tupong assemblyman

KUCHING, July 20 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak state government prudent financial management gives it an upper hand to continue with development projects in the state despite the federal government’s austerity measures.

Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said under the leadership of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak has also successfully embark on alternative revenue streams to diversify the state’s income.

“One example is the implementation of the Sarawak State Sales Tax (SST) and in future, through monetisation of our carbon credit resources.

“Apart from that, we are also seeking the return of state rights whereby the state is entitled to an amount of special grants from the federal government under the Federal Constitution,” he said in a statement here, today.

Recently, the Federal government through the Treasury Circular on the Guidelines on Public Expenditure Savings dated July 14 stated that ministries, departments and federal statutory bodies must continue the pre-procurement process with no financial implications on planning, designing, planning approval, settling land/project site matters and so on.

In the circular, Treasury secretary-general Datuk Seri Asri Hamidon, said in line with the government's intention to optimise spending for all projects under implementation, the ministry/department/agency must closely monitor the progress of the project so that it is completed within the stipulated period.

Yesterday, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government would continue with the development projects it has planned for the benefit of the economy and the people of the state, despite the federal government embarking on austerity measures.

Meanwhile, Fazzrudin said it is no secret that Sarawak is in need of expedited development particularly in terms of infrastructure, amenities as well as basic facilities such as continuous electricity, treated water supply and also digital infrastructure development.

He said not only would continuous implementation of development projects ensure that sorely needed facilities would be delivered to the people, it too, would contribute to overall economic growth.

“Continuous development projects, will also boost the socioeconomic development of the rural communities in Sarawak, because with ample infrastructure and connectivity, a wide range of positive spill over effects will take place,” he added.

-- BERNAMA