KUCHING: The Sarawak government wants the special grant to the state provided for under the Federal Constitution to be reviewed every five years.
Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said that a formula on the revenue distribution had been submitted to the federal government.
“We have actually submitted this formula many many months back and this matter has always been brought up during the special meeting between federal and Sarawak government on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“So last week, we had our meeting which was chaired by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, and Sarawak was represented by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“And as of now, things are looking positive,” she told reporters when asked about the updates on the negotiation between the state and the federal government on Sarawak rights under MA63 at the Samariang Service Centre on Monday (Apr 18).
She said the matter will be brought forward to a working committee for it to be discussed in more detail.
“God willing, we will try to find a solution to this matter so that the distribution of the special grant can be done according to the formula that we have presented to the federal government,” she said.
She said among other matters discussed during the meeting included more autonomy on tourism and environmental matters to the state.
“However, it is not going to be so simple as all matters involve the Constitution. But we are in talks and discussions are still ongoing,” she said.
She added that other issues discussed were on the land which the state had given to the federal government to be returned to the state and many other matters.
“However, all matters are to be further discussed in detail at the working committee levels,” she said.
Earlier, Hasidah, who is also Samariang assemblywoman presented the annual Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant of RM10,000 each to 27 mosques and surau in the constituency.
The grant will be used by the respective mosques and surau to carry out their activities and to cover other expenses.
