Sarawak Premier thanks PM for increasing special grant to Sabah, Sarawak to RM600 million

Abang Johari fields questions from reporters after the opening ceremony of Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies of Malaysia held at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex, Kuching on Sept 13, 2024.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Sept 13: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim for doubling the special grant allocation for Sabah and Sarawak under Article 112D from RM300 million to RM600 million.

He noted that the two-fold increase in the interim allocation was decided during the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) in Sabah yesterday.

“I wish to express my gratitude because under our Federal Constitution, the review period is supposed to be (every) five years, but the prime minister has announced the revised amount only within two years.

“The interim allocation for this year will be included under Budget 2025. Thus, I thank the prime minister,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the opening ceremony of Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies of Malaysia at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex here today.

Article 112D states that Sabah and Sarawak are entitled to an allocation of special grants annually based on certain measures and subjected to the federal government’s financial position and that a review shall take place once every five years.

Abang Johari who is also Sarawak’s Minister of Finance and New Economy, further said that there has been no final agreement on the formula to determine the special annual grants to both States with discussion still ongoing.

When asked about Sabah and Sarawak’s demand to increase the number of representatives from both States in Dewan Rakyat up to 35 per cent, Abang Johari said the matter was also brought up during yesterday’s MA63 meeting.

“It was brought up and we have voiced out our stances because under MA63 and Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, it was stated that Sabah and Sarawak’s representation in Parliament must be safeguarded.

“This means both States’ interests are to have at least 35 per cent representation in Parliament. Basically, this matter was already agreed in principle but it must be discussed in-depth further,” he added. — DayakDaily