Sadong Jaya rep applauds Sarawak Budget’s focus on rural devt

 November 6, 2018, Tuesday

Aidel (seated, centre) speaks to reporters, as (seated, from left) fellow assemblypersons Henry, Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu (Tanjong Datu), Lo Khere Chiang (Batu Kitang) and Gerald Rentap Jabu (Layar) look on. The assemblypersons standing behind them are (from left) Dennis Ngau (Telang Usan), Miro Simuh (Serembu), Simoi Peri (Lingga), Ripin Lamat (Lambir), Christopeher Gira Sambang (Tamin), Kennedy Chukpai Ugon (Murum), Wilson Nyabong Ijang (Pelagus), Allan Siden Gramong (Machan), and Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya (Jemoreng). — Photo by Chimon Upon

SARAWAK Budget 2019 is described as a ‘very significant budget’ for Sarawak as a huge sum is set aside for rural development.

It is stated that under the budget, RM6.049 billion – or 67 per cent from total allocations – is meant for the development of rural areas.

In this regard Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers Club deputy chairman, said this would ensure that basic facility and amenity projects such as roads, bridges, as well as water and electricity supply could be carried out effectively.

“We are very pleased with the proposed budget tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg this morning (yesterday) and look forward for the budget to be implemented in 2019 for the betterment of our people, especially those living in rural areas of Sarawak,” he told reporters at the media room in DUN Complex here yesterday.

Aidel also believed that the implementation of the five-per cent sales tax on petroleum products – effective Jan 1 next year – would generate more revenue for Sarawak which, in turn, would boost its development.

“With the revenue generated from the sales tax, we can therefore develop our state without touching any of our state’s reserves.”

Meanwhile, Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep said Abang Johari had managed to identify the new source of revenue for Sarawak through the implementation of the sales tax, which is enshrined under the Federal Constitution.

“We practise our rights to impose sales tax on our resources such as petroleum products.

“With this kind of revenue, we will soon start to see that we are fiscally-independent, which means that we no longer have to wait for the federal government to give us grants to carry out development projects for roads, water supply and so on.”

Henry pointed out that the proposed budget would enable the GPS-led government under the leadership of Abang Johari to continue bringing in development to Sarawak.

“This is the mother of all budgets and only the beginning – that is why we must protect this government, protect our rights and control our resources.”