Adenan’s Hope For Budget 2015

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem hopes that Budget 2015 would better accommodate the state, particularly with regard to development and welfare of the rural areas.

When met by reporters here yesterday, however, he did not go into details about his expectations on the budget to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Parliament this Friday.

The only concern Adenan raised was on rural development in the state, for which he looked forward to an adequate federal allocation.

He also disclosed that the coming state budget would be focused on rural development.

“Our state budget will be tabled in November with the emphasis on rural areas,” he said after handing out assistance to individuals in celebration of Hari Raya Aidiladha at Yayasan Sarawak Complex in Jalan Sultan Tengah here.

Still, Adenan declined to state whether his inaugural budget would channel more allocations towards developing the rural region than those outlined during the previous tabling.

“I will tell you on budget day,” he quipped.

Asked about the state’s request to increase the oil royalty from five per cent to 20 per cent, Adenan simply said: “We are still in negotiation with the federal government.”

Last year, intensifying urban and rural development was among the five core thrusts outline in Budget 2014, apart from invigorating economic activities, strengthening fiscal management, inculcating excellence in human capital and ensuring the wellbeing of the people.

For the sixth tabling by Najib this Friday, it is expected that this scope would be addressed at, especially amidst the fuel price hike that took effect recently.

Meanwhile, some 500 recipients received aid during the simple ceremony organised by Surau Al-Hidayah Yayasan Sarawak and the committee of Surau Ar-Rahman Wisma Bapa Malaysia.

Surau Al-Hidayah Yayasan Sarawak chairman Jolly Marikan said the occasion marked the first time both suraus came together to offer assistance to government officers, welfare organisations and the community in Bandar Baru Semariang.

“It is our first joint venture, and also the first time our chairman (Adenan) handing out the assistance in his capacity as the Chief Minister.”

Jolly also noted that the number of recipients this time represented the largest figure recorded throughout the years, thanks to the joint effort.

Before this, he said Surau Al-Hidayah Yayasan Sarawak alone was able to reach out to over 200 people.

Among the recipients were residents of Kampung Bintawa, staff members of Yayasan Sarawak and children of Orphans Welfare Board of Sarawak (Peryatim).

Also present were Adenan’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Urban Areas) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Assistant Minister of Rural Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi and Yayasan Sarawak director Datuk Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. - BP