Sarawak Premier Suggests Federal Government To Emulate Decentralisation Process
Posted on 06 Jul 2024
Source of News: UKAS Sarawak
KUCHING: The Federal government is proposed to emulate the approach of decentralisation process implemented by Sarawak to empower Local Authorities (PBT).
The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that there are nine development agencies that have been established in the state to empower rural leaders.
According to him, each relevant agency is allocated as much as RM1.5 billion for projects implementation within three years based on the needs of the grassroots, before receiving additional funds.
"So, this means decision-making is managed by local leaders through a decentralisation process. Otherwise, everything will be managed centrally in Petra Jaya, at Wisma Bapa Malaysia.
"Therefore, I suggest that Putra Jaya authorises PBTs to carry out projects, not all but some specific projects. For example, the construction of a school or a poor clinic, we can implement as long as there are funds given under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Constitution.
"If we can't implement a project, give us the power so that we don't have to wait (aimlessly like) ‘mencari sungai yang tiada berhulu’,” he explained.
He said this in his speech to inaugurate the closing of the Land and Survey Department Sarawak Innovation and Integrity Day (HIITS) 2024 here, on Friday.
In the same speech, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zahari praised the progressive steps taken by the Land and Survey Department (JTS) Sarawak in renewing and improving their operational efficiency by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovations in the land surveying process.
He further explained that the use of AI, especially generative AI technology, has brought about a major transformation in the field of land surveying so that mapping and analysis of land data can be done more quickly and accurately, further facilitating the process of land planning and development in Sarawak.
"JTS is at the forefront of the use of this technology in Malaysia to the point many visitors from the peninsula come to learn our methods of using technology in management.
"I am confident that our future is bright with our existing data recording approach, if we want to measure the land quickly, whether I like it or not, I will have to add more JTS tasks that not only involve measuring land on land, but also at sea.
"This is because our economy has shifted towards a green economy that involves the entire spectrum, the entire strategic sector of our economy,” he added.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity And Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datu Abdullah Julaihi, JTS Sarawak Director, Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood, and other dignitaries. -UKASnews
