THE dissolution of the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund signals a significant shift in Sarawak’s approach to infrastructure financing and management, aligning with broader efforts to modernise public financial governance.
Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (GPS–Bawang Assan) said the move should be viewed as part of the state’s strategy to rationalise public finance through a unified funding model.
“This approach can reduce the fragmentation of development funding mechanisms and enable more strategic, overarching prioritisation of infrastructure projects.
“The creation of an infrastructure consolidated fund is also an alignment with modern development frameworks which is considered better practices in public financial management.
“I would like to suggest that, upon implementation of the new financial model, the ministry should prepare a detailed implementation schedule for the dissolution of, including timelines, various responsibilities and audits trails,” he said.
He said this when debating the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill, 2025 during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (May 21).
He added a dedicated transition task force should be set up to oversee the migration of funds and project documentations.
“The reform should be seen as part of the state’s broader vision to modernise the infrastructure financing system, ensuring that public spending delivers maximum value to the people.
“All in all, the dissolution or the repeal of the Infrastructure Development Fund underscores Sarawak‘s efforts to modernize financial governance, prioritize flexibility.
“While this move can enhance efficiency, effectiveness and success will hinge on stringent oversight and the state’s ability to leverage Alternative Funding models effectively,” he added.
