KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of development programmes needs to be more consistent with the target set instead of relying on political processes.
Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (Kimanis-Independent) said the policy brought by the Federal Government using Sabah and Sarawak resources should be more organised.
He asked the government if the allocation to Sabah amounting to RM 5,009 million in the Budget 2019, “fulfills matters under the Malaysian Constitution. Similarly, with the state of Sarawak.”
Speaking on the 2019 Budget at Dewan Rakyat here today, the former foreign minister also asked when Sabah would receive 40 per cent of its state revenue as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) pursuant to Article 112D of the 7th Provisions of Finance.
”Or 20 per cent of Oil and Gas. Although the special provision is contained in the 10th Schedule of the Federal Constitution,” he said.
The fate of Sabah and Sarawak, Anifah said, remained the same and he believed the budget outcome would be different for the two states.
He said an important government policy was to work diligently so that no group of people would be left out of enjoying the benefits of prosperity and national development.
Unfortunately, he said, the voices and grievances of the people of Sabah and Sarawak for 55 years had not been heard.
“The government can no longer request that the people of Sabah and Sarawak be patient with the discomfort and inconvenience arising from improper planning,” he said.
“We will not remain silent, Sabah and Sarawak can not be left behind. The Pakatan Harapan Government needs to seriously develop and improve the well-being of the people of Sabah and Sarawak.”
Anifah also pointed out that in 2017, Malaysia’s per capita GDP was RM42,228. At the same time, the per capita GDP of Sabah was RM23,979. This per capita GDP puts Sabah as the fourth state after Kelantan (RM13,593), Kedah (RM20,327), and Perlis (RM23,372).
The average monthly household income in Malaysia had increased by 6.2% from RM 6,141 (2014) to RM 6,958 (2016), he said.
However, the average monthly household income increase for B40 by 5.8% was lower than M40 (6.9%) and T20 (5.9%). If average monthly household income increase for B40 remains the lowest, the income gap between B40 and M40 and T20 would increase.
”But the government must realise that there is still a gap between ethnic groups, especially between Bumiputera Peninsula and Bumiputera ethnic in Sabah and Sarawak,” Anifah said.
Going back, he again questioned the government’s plan to increase household income for the people of Sabah and Sarawak.