Budget 2023 is well balanced, pro-people and recovery-based - Ongkili

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Budget 2023 marks an increase in allocation for Sabah and Sarawak compared with previous years, and is balanced, pro-people as well as recovery-based, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili. 

Ongkili attributed the increased allocation for both states, as unveiled in the budget by Finance Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz today, to the focus stressed through the Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MKMA63). 

Ongkili added that, despite the challenges on the revenue receipts, the allocations did not divert from meeting the basic needs of the people, of which RM6.3 billion was allocated for the development of Sabah, and RM5.4 billion for Sarawak; while for rural development, a total of RM1.5 billion for Sabah and RM2.55 billion for Sarawak. 

“For Sabah and Sarawak, the development needs and focus highlighted by the MKMA63 have been acted on and provided for, including providing development allocations for the poverty and B40 groups.

“More importantly funds for basic infrastructure have been maintained, and in some cases increased, especially for rural roads, water and electricity, and digital infrastructure.

“The MKMA63 stressed the need for increased allocations for medical and educational facilities, especially addressing dilapidated rural schools and clinics, which are highlighted in this budget,” he said in a statement today.

Touching on security, the Kota Marudu Member of Parliament said that the concern on border security, especially on assets, and the speedy construction of the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Safety (CIQS) centres in the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan border districts has been acted on, and given serious attention in terms of finances.

“The focus on economic recovery is spot on. The extra push for the revival of manufacturing and tourism sectors is timely and much needed,” said Ongkili.

He stressed that stronger voices for attention and financial focus from Sabahans and Sarawakians are now increasingly being heard, respected and acted on.

“Having said that, the room for further improvement is still huge. Although there is an increase in allocation, it is still not satisfactory and up to the level, based on the requests from Sabah and Sarawak. We still have a long way to go in meeting the needs of Sabahans and Sarawakians. 

“We are grateful for the increasing openness of the federal government in providing better allocations, especially for rural development, but we will continue to utilise MKMA63 as a platform to press and push for basic development needs for both states,” he said.

-- BERNAMA