KOTA KINABALU: Pakatan Rakyat has pledged to give both Sabah and Sarawak a “freer” hand in deciding on local issues such as education and public services. State PKR sectratry Dr Roland Chia said greater autonomy for both states was an integral part of the promises in Pakatan’s Buku Jingga (Orange Book) manifesto.
“Pakatan Rakyat will allocate federal power to states in matters that fall under state and local jurisdictions… the state governments chosen by the people should be respected by the federal government.
“Be assured that both Sabah and Sarawak will be given greater autonomy under Pakatan in line with the special position of the two states, ” he said.
Ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) has come under mounting criticism over federal policies which are biased against Sabah and Sarawak.
Among these issues are education, housing, cabotage, illegals and land matters.
Chia also said that the coalition waas committed to setting up a special petroleum fund to ensure equitable portion of oil revenue from Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan and Terengganu is given back to the states.
“This special petroleum funds would help stabilise revenue and expenditure in the oil-producing states even as Malaysia’s reserves continue to dwindle.
“The special fund will be similar to Kumpulan Wang Amanah Nasional but will be under the control of the state governments,” he said, reiterating the commitment which was also listed in the Orange Book manifesto.
Chia said the various state government could then use part of this new oil revenue to absorb all higher education loans undertaken since 2005.
“Oil royalty will be paid and all National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans will be absorbed,” he said.
Michael Kaung
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