The people of Sarawak ought to applaud
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and the state government for
being able to come with a huge allocation in the budget compared to other
states in Malaysia.
Allan Siden Gramong (BN-Machan) said the principles,
policies and strategies behind the budget had correctly prioritised the
development needs of the state by highlighting rural development and giving a
large chunk of the allocation for rural infrastructures and amenities.
“The amount of RM8.134 billion is huge, and
out of that, 73 per cent is allocated for development and 27 per cent for
operating expenditures,” he said when debating the 2017 Sarawak State Budget
during the legislative assembly sitting here yesterday.
He said it was high time the government
placed greater attention and provided serious and concerted effort to develop
the rural areas to give chance to the rural communities to catch up with the
urban folks.
“The budget is a clear manifestation of the
desire and commitment of the government to narrow the gap and disparity of
development between the urban and the rural areas as well as to eradicate
poverty,” he said.
Saying that it might be difficult and
expensive to connect rural settlements with roads and provide them with electricity
and clean water supply, Siden said that as a responsible and caring government
it could not shy away from its responsibility and obligation.
“We ought to have the political will to
change and improve the wellbeing and livelihood of the people no matter where
they live and whatever and however it takes,” he added.
He said the strategic policy of rural
transformation programme, which was the brainchild of Adenan was indeed a
clear, sincere and visible manifestation of political will of the state BN
government.
Meanwhile Jefferson Jamit Unyat (BN-Bukit
Goram) said the 2017 Budget reflected the commitment of the state government
under Adenan to give greater focus on the implementation of programmes and
projects in the rural areas and to accelerate rural development transformation.
This, he said would certainly ensure a
balanced distribution of rural development throughout Sarawak in line with the
state government’s effort to narrow the development gap between the urban and
rural areas.
Other assembly members who participated in
the debate yesterday also applauded the budget.
By : NewsDesk
Sarawak Tribune
Date Posted : Friday 25-Nov-2016
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