Minister: Proposal for third federal capital in Borneo ‘meaningless’

2 hours ago 1

ADVERTISE HERE

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Jan 27: Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has dismissed a proposal by Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail to establish a third federal capital in Borneo, describing it as meaningless and driven purely by economic considerations.

Abdul Karim, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information Chief, said priorities should instead focus on development and upgrading existing facilities.

“I don’t see the need for too many capitals for a nation. Kuala Lumpur is our national capital. We have Putrajaya as the administrative capital. Kuala Lumpur, which used to be the administrative capital, has now become the commercial capital of Malaysia,” he told reporters after a press conference on the Annual Assembly of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy 2026 at Baitul Makmur II in Petra Jaya here today.

He added that boosting Sarawak’s economy does not require the creation of a new capital.

“Kalau nak seribu daya, kalau tak nak seribu dalih. If you want to boost development, there are many areas where this can be done.

“Look at our dilapidated schools in the interior, hospitals, clinics and rural clinics. These are all matters that fall under the purview of the federal government,” he said.

Abdul Karim also clarified that the proposal was not a government policy or decision.

However, he noted that as the MP is from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), it may have led to public suspicion that the idea had the backing of the party’s leadership.

“Sometimes it can lead to a bit of suspicion. When we alienate a piece of land, we cannot just tarik balik like that — buruk siku,” he said.

Abdul Karim then highlighted Bandar 2020, which covers 2,020 hectares of prime land in Kuching that was alienated during the tenure of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and intended for federal development.

“It has been given. Everything rests with the federal government to develop it. When they requested it and the state government approved it, it was for that purpose,” he said.

According to him, the understanding at the time was for the state administration to remain in Kuching, while the federal administration would be based at Bandar 2020.

“If they are not willing to develop it, I think the only right way would be to return it, because it is a prime piece of land,” he added.

Abdul Karim pointed out that Kuching is expanding and must grow in multiple directions, including Matang, and not only towards Samarahan or Batu Kawa.

“There is even that marble arch. Many people have forgotten about it.

“And now there is talk of asking for more land for another capital. Look at this piece of land first, if there is truly an intention to develop Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily

Read Entire Article