KUCHING: The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, expressed concerns about the RM5.6 billion allocation in the 2025 federal budget, deeming it insufficient for Sarawak’s development.
At the 2025 Sarawak Budget conference held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), she highlighted the pressing need for a larger allocation from the federal government, emphasizing that Sarawak’s vast landmass is comparable to Peninsular Malaysia.
“In reality, we require more than RM5.6 billion from the federal government. The current allocation falls short,” she asserted during a panel discussion on Sarawak’s trajectory in light of the 2025 Malaysia Budget.
Hasidah emphasised the importance of addressing the developmental requirements of Sarawak, especially in its rural regions. She stressed the imperative to enhance educational facilities, citing approximately 400 dilapidated schools that need urgent repair.
“Rural clinics, road networks, internet access, and essential services like electricity and water supply demand immediate attention and implementation,” she emphasized.
Acknowledging the federal budget’s role in improving the populace’s well-being, Hasidah tempered expectations by noting, “While beneficial, the budget is not without limitations.”
She lauded the state government’s proactive stance in supplementing federal funds when necessary, proving Sarawak’s commitment to progress.
Regarding the RM600 million special grants earmarked for Sarawak by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Hasidah expressed reservations about its adequacy. She advocated for a review of these grants every five years, as stipulated under 112D of the Federal Constitution, emphasizing the need for a transparent and equitable formula in determining funding increments.
“We appreciate the gesture of raising the grant from RM300 million to RM600 million, but clarity based on this increment remains elusive,” she remarked. Hasidah elaborated on the state government’s proposal to the federal authorities, advocating for a structured formula to calculate funding increments periodically, ensuring a fair and sustainable approach to financial allocations.
In sum, Hasidah’s insights underscore the intricate dynamics of fiscal planning and resource allocation, reflecting Sarawak’s unwavering commitment to equitable development and progress.
