KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is intensifying efforts to speed up negotiations with the Federal Government to finalise a formula for the state’s Special Grant allocation.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, said both parties are committed to reaching an agreement through various channels.
“We are trying to do this as quickly as possible, and doing our utmost through negotiations, discussions, meetings, and existing committees, including technical committees, working committees, and at the highest level,” she said.
Elaborating further, she said the effort is crucial to ensure that the agreed formula can be submitted to the Federal Government promptly.
“We aim to reach a mutually agreed formula, especially the one we have proposed. We will continue to strive tirelessly towards that goal,” she said.
She said this when met by reporters at the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) Prihatin contribution programme in conjunction with Gawai Day celebration held at Borneo Cultures Museum today.
Hasidah said the Sarawak Government has submitted a formula for calculating the Special Grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution to the Federal Government, but is still awaiting official approval.
“Although the formula has not been approved yet, the Federal Government has agreed to disburse an interim payment in the meantime. This interim payment is pending approval of the proposed formula.
“We are grateful that, despite the lack of official approval, the Federal Government has agreed to provide an early payment of about RM600 million,” she added.
Previously, Hasidah said that the negotiations must be conducted in the spirit of partnership and in recognition of Sarawak’s constitutional rights under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“The Sarawak Government has completed part of the matters related to the Financial Review under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“As a temporary arrangement, the Federal Government has agreed to increase the amount of the Special Grant for Sarawak from RM300 million to RM600 million for a five-year period.
“Nevertheless, the Sarawak Government urges that negotiations on the Special Grant formula be expedited, in the spirit of partnership and in recognition of Sarawak’s constitutional rights under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” she said.
