KUCHING, Sept 12 — In his message in conjunction with the 60th Malaysia Day, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) secretary-general Baru Bian today called on the unity government to...
KUCHING, Sept 12 — In his message in conjunction with the 60th Malaysia Day, Parti Sarawak Bersatu secretary-general Baru Bian today called on the unity government to settle without delay outstanding matters relating to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 .
“I also wish for four areas to be devolved fully or partially to Sarawak. These are infrastructure, education, health and the part of the Home Ministry’s functions in relation to the issuance of identity cards or the right to citizenship,” Baru, who is also the Ba’Kelalan assemblyman, said. He noted that much has been said about dilapidated schools, dropping standards, sub-standard textbooks, the lack of teachers and facilities in schools, especially in rural areas, and the slow creep of religious bias.
“Many of our hospitals and clinics are in need of upgrade and maintenance, and more doctors, nurses and other support staff,” he added. Baru said Sarawak’s transport infrastructure lags behind that of peninsular Malaysia, stressing that the state should assume the responsibilities from the Works Ministry so that it can prioritise, plan and design its own connections, rather than defer to the federal government.