11 June, 2008
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made a flying visit to Sarawak Tuesday (10 June) but much to the disappointment of the host state, he did not dish put the much expected goodies like he did on his recent visit to neighbouring Sabah, apart from promising that all government rural projects would be reviewed and accorded priority.
Just the day before, Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud complained that the amount of subsidy from the federal government to Sarawak is not even equal to that of Sabah even though Sarawak is bigger both in size and population.
Bernama reported him as saying Sarawak, as an important component of Malaysia, would appeal for fairness on the matter.
“Sabah and Sarawak has about the same size in population … well slightly more in Sabah. But the amount of subsidy doesn’t seem to be equal. Sarawak got less than half (of the subsidy from the federal government),” he said upon his arrival from overseas at Hornbill Skyways’ hangar Monday night (9 June).
When pressed further, Taib, who is also Minister of Finance, said Sarawak was not demanding for equal treatment but merely appealing for fairness.
“I am not going to fight … but I am going to appeal for fairness for (Sarawak) being part of Malaysia,” he said in reply to reporters.
On his arrival Tuesday, the prime minister opened the RM7 million Sebuyau Bridge. He reiterated the government’s assurance that all projects in the rural areas would be implemented despite the higher operating costs due to the recent rise in fuel prices.
"Although fuel prices have gone up, the government has to take into account and review all planned projects because we do not want to discard the interests of the people, especially those in the rural areas," he said.
The prime minister said five areas in Sarawak -- Pulau Bruit in Mukah, Bukit Sadok in Betong, Lingga-Stumbin in Sri Aman, Batang Sadong in Samaharan and Telang Usan in Miri -- had been identified to implement agropolitan projects.
“We want development projects, including agropolitan projects in the rural areas, to be approved swiftly," he said.
Ahead of the visit, Sarawak leaders have been optimistic of Abdullah bringing them some good cheer. Billy Abit Joo MP for Hulu Rejang was quoted as saying, “In Sarawak , we don’t talk so much about positions. Sarawakians are too polite sometimes, hoping that people will understand their needs.”
Local leaders were expecting Abdullah to announce the appointment of a Sarawakian senior government official as the new federal Sarawak financial officer.
The Prime Minister announced that the government will send an officer from the Economic Planning Unit to expedite rural development projects. (MySinchew)
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