2020 State Budget
Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) welcomes the people-centric State 2020 Budget announced yesterday, said its chairman Datuk Dr John Lau Pang Heng.
Asked to comment on the budget announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, he said, “Out of the total allocation of RM9.891 billion, RM6,597 billion is for development expenditure.
“It shows that the government is serious in accelerating development for Sarawak to be on par with other developed states in Malaya.”
On the Petronas issue, he congratulated the state government for taking legal actions by issuing a Notice of Assessment to Petronas for the non-payment of sales tax.
Petronas is owned by the Malaysian government and its rules are based on the rule of law.
SPA wondered why Petronas is holding back the payment of sales tax owed to the Sarawak government.
Lau also welcomed the allocation of RM30 million for a mechanism to assist Sarawakian graduates who have difficulties in paying their National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loans.
“Providing free bus service to students is a very good idea. This will lessen the burdens of families.
“Connectivity in Sarawak has been a big issue, particularly in the rural areas. We welcome the building of 300 telecommunication towers to enhance communication connectivity,” he said.
Lau also acknowledged the allocation of RM46.5 million to meet the shortfall of the federal allocation to rebuild dilapidated schools in the state.
“This shows that the Sarawak government is concerned about education in the State.
“It is also good to note that the State government emphasised the importance of the private sector as the engine of economic growth.
“Members of SPA would like to see special incentives for Sarawak industries which use locally produced and assembled products. When this happens, it will most certainly boost the Sarawak industries.
“As Sarawakians, we are happy that the Sarawak government looks after the State’s development. This is despite the lack of sufficient fund from the federal government,” added Lau.
