SABAH and Sarawak will be able to decide on projects under RM50 million without waiting for the approval from Putrajaya, Anwar Ibrahim said today. 

The prime minister, in a televised press conference after the weekly cabinet meeting, said this was among the decisions agreed as part of the unity government’s move to empower the two states as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 

Anwar also noted that there were some delays to the implementation of a few projects in the two states due to bureaucracy despite a large amount of funds being allocated. 

He added that he would be chairing a meeting in Kuching, Sarawak on MA63, with Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg and Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor attending.

“Although there are public works departments in Sabah and Sarawak, they have to rely on Putrajaya for the final decision.  

“Although large amounts of allocation are given to the Bornean states, they are not completely utilised because of the bureaucracy. 

“Hence, we have now decided that any infrastructure projects that are below RM50 million can be implemented by Sabah and Sarawak as long as it complies with proper financial regulations.  

“So, decisions can be made in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu without wasting time like in the past,” Anwar said.  

The prime minister also said that they would review the entitled special grants for Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined in Article 112 (D) of the Federal Constitution.  

“Sabah and Sarawak were given RM16 million and RM25 million respectively in the beginning,” Anwar said.  

“It has to be reviewed every five years, but it was not done; so, I’m here to revive it now.  

“We need to review it and ensure that there is an appropriate increase in the allocation,” he added.  – January 4, 2023.