“This includes devolution of full autonomy in education, healthcare as well as fiscal power. Another matter is the restoration of Sarawak’s status to one of three territories (within Malaysia) instead of the current one of 13 states. Also in the new deal is devolution of power in commerce and trade,”
KUCHING: Pakatan Harapan has pledged to give 50% of all taxes collected in Sarawak and 20% of oil royalties to the state government if it captures Putrajaya in GE14.
This is part of a “new deal” to grant greater autonomy in education, healthcare and fiscal matters to Sarawak, should Pakatan form the next Federal Government, the Opposition said.
Sarawak Pakatan chairman Chong Chieng Jen said this “new deal” on the devolution of power and restoration of Sarawak’s rights would be offered to the current Barisan Nasional-led state government.
“This includes devolution of full autonomy in education, healthcare as well as fiscal power.
“Another matter is the restoration of Sarawak’s status to one of three territories (within Malaysia) instead of the current one of 13 states.
“Also in the new deal is devolution of power in commerce and trade,” he told reporters after delivering two copies of the new deal agreement to a security officer at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Thursday (April 26), to be handed over to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak state government is controlled by Barisan after it won the state elections in May 2016. Only parliamentary seats are being contested in Sarawak for GE14.
Greater autonomy in education may ease the return of English-medium schools, which has been actively discussed in Sarawak. English is one of two official languages of the state, along with Bahasa Malaysia.
The Barisan GE14 election manifesto has pledged to introduce English-medium schools as pilot projects in Sarawak.
The Opposition’s “new deal” agreement was signed by Chong (who is also state DAP chairman), state PKR chairman Baru Bian, and state Amanah chairman Fidzuan Zaidi.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, the fourth member of Pakatan Harapan, is not contesting in Sarawak.
“In the event Pakatan forms the Federal Government, these powers will be devolved to the state, so the (Barisan) state government must agree to accept them,” Chong said, adding that no timeframe would be given to the state government to sign the agreement.
“But I think the sooner the better, because this matter deals with the interests of Sarawak,” he said.
Source : The Star
Indie Borneo 