Abang Jo thanks Anwar for upping special grant to RM600 mln

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for doubling the special grant allocation for Sarawak and Sabah to RM600 million.

He said the move was unprecedented, as the constitution stipulates that such reviews should occur every five years.

“I am grateful because, according to the constitution, this review should take place every five years.

“However, the PM announced it within two years, last year and this year, to be included in the 2025 budget. Therefore, I would like to thank the Prime Minister,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies of Malaysia at the DUN building here today.

On Thursday (Sept 12), during a meeting of the Majlis Tindakan Perlaksanaan Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 (MTPMA63), the federal government announced the increase from RM300 million to RM600 million for both states.

The most recent reviews of grants for Sabah and Sarawak were conducted in 1968 and 2022, respectively.

Asked about increasing the number of parliamentary seats to ensure greater representation for Sabah and Sarawak, Abang Johari said discussions are still ongoing.

“Under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, it is clearly stated that there must be safeguards to protect representation in Parliament.

“This means that the interests of Sarawak and Sabah should be guaranteed with at least 35 per cent representation in Parliament.

“This principle is agreed upon, but further discussions are needed on the details,” he said.