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Wilfred Yap (file pic)Advertisement
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 1: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has urged the federal government and the Ministry of Finance to conclude negotiations with the Sarawak government expeditiously so that the revised Special Grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution can be incorporated into the upcoming federal budget without further bureaucratic delays.
Yap made the call while reaffirming his commitment to defending Sarawak’s constitutional rights following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement in Parliament yesterday (June 30) that the federal government would review an increase in Sarawak’s Special Grant.
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Welcoming the Prime Minister’s recognition that Sarawak deserves a higher allocation following Sabah’s RM1.5 billion Special Grant increase, he said Sarawakians now expect concrete action rather than prolonged discussions.
“Recognition of Sarawak’s rightful position is welcomed, but what the people expect now is implementation. Constitutional obligations must be honoured without unnecessary delay because Sarawak’s rights cannot remain subject to endless negotiations,” he said in a statement today.
Yap stressed that he has consistently stood alongside the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in defending the rights guaranteed to Sarawak under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said strong and principled leadership remains essential to safeguarding the interests of future generations of Sarawakians.
“Throughout my service as the assemblyman for Kota Sentosa, I have consistently spoken up whenever Sarawak’s constitutional rights, fiscal interests and development priorities are concerned. These are not matters of politics—they are matters of justice, fairness and our constitutional position within the Federation,” he said.
He emphasised that GPS has demonstrated that a firm, constructive and united approach can deliver tangible results for Sarawak.
He pointed to milestones such as the transfer of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government and the federal government’s commitment to review the Special Grant as evidence of the effectiveness of GPS’s efforts in advancing the State’s interests.
He also reiterated his support for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s proposal for a transparent, equitable and sustainable formula to determine Sarawak’s Special Grant.
The proposed formula, he said, should accurately reflect Sarawak’s significant contribution to the national economy while remaining faithful to the spirit and intent of MA63.
“Sarawak’s contribution to Malaysia has grown tremendously over the decades. It is therefore only right that the financial arrangements between the federal government and Sarawak evolve accordingly. This is about ensuring fairness, strengthening the Federation and respecting the constitutional partnership upon which Malaysia was founded,” he said.
Yap emphasised that a fairer Special Grant would bring direct benefits to the people of Kota Sentosa and Sarawak through improvements in infrastructure and public services.
Among the priorities he highlighted were the upgrading of major traffic corridors, enhancement of drainage systems to mitigate flooding, rehabilitation of ageing schools, strengthening of public healthcare facilities and accelerated infrastructure development to support a growing population.
“For decades, Sarawak has contributed immensely through our oil and gas resources, renewable energy and economic strength. The review of the Special Grant is not a favour from the federal government, it is a constitutional obligation under Article 112D,” he said.
He pledged to continue serving as a strong advocate for Sarawak’s interests, describing himself as a voice that is firm in defending constitutional rights while remaining constructive in engaging stakeholders.
“I will continue to be a consistent and responsible voice for Sarawak—one that is firm in defending our constitutional rights, constructive in engaging all stakeholders, and focused on delivering real outcomes for the people. Sarawakians deserve leaders who not only speak for the State but also have the determination, credibility and perseverance to secure what rightfully belongs to Sarawak,” he said.
He concluded by expressing confidence that under the united leadership of GPS, Sarawak would continue to strengthen its autonomy, safeguard its constitutional rights and build a more prosperous and resilient future for generations to come. — DayakDaily
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