Hajiji Shafie Welcome Autonomy Over Projects Under Rm50mil

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Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor (left) and Warisan president Shafie Apdal described the prime minister’s announcement on autonomy over projects as good news.PETALING JAYA: Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor and Warisan president Shafie Apdal have lauded the government’s decision to grant Sabah and Sarawak autonomy over infrastructure projects under RM50 million.
“This is more good news announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, on top of the handing over of regulatory power of our gas resources.
“It will definitely help in the approval and implementation of development projects that have always been impeded by cumbersome red tape,” Hajiji said in a statement.
Hajiji added that he and Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg would be meeting the prime minister to finalise a few matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He noted that the working and review committees on MA63 would continue under the chairmanship of deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof.
In a separate statement, Shafie welcomed the government’s decision, adding that it showed its commitment to honouring the MA63.
Sabahans, he said, longed to see the implementation of MA63.
Earlier today, the government announced its decision to allow the East Malaysian states to decide on the implementation of infrastructure projects under RM50 million in their respective states.
At a press conference, Anwar noted that red tape had delayed the implementation of a few projects in the Borneo states despite a large amount of funds being allocated.
He said although Sabah and Sarawak had their own public works departments (JKR), many decisions had to be finalised in Putrajaya.
Anwar also said he would be chairing a meeting in Kuching on the MA63 by the end of the month. The meeting will be attended by Abang Johari and Hajiji.
Among the key topics to be discussed are the special grants for Sabah and Sarawak which are enshrined in Article 112 (D) of the Federal Constitution. - FMT

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