KUCHING: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has questioned the federal government’s recent claim of reducing borrowings, arguing that such statements ring hollow if Sarawak continues to be sidelined in terms of equitable development and constitutional rights.
Yap was responding to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s assertion that Malaysia has reduced new borrowings by RM22 billion over the past two years, from RM99 billion in 2021 to RM77 billion in 2023 describing it as a sign of fiscal prudence and responsibility.
“The reality is that despite the claim of reduced borrowings, the country is still borrowing RM77 billion. So how is that a sign of success?” Yap questioned.
He pointed out that while Putrajaya continues to boast about reduced borrowing figures and improved global rankings, Sarawak is still lacking in basic infrastructure, particularly in the rural areas.
“To the people of Sarawak, especially those in the rural interior, claims about reduced borrowings are meaningless when they still do not have access to clean water, 24-hour electricity, decent schools, proper roads, and better healthcare,” he said.
Yap said these are not luxuries, but basic necessities and constitutional rights owed to every citizen, regardless of region.
He also highlighted that the federal government has not fulfilled key obligations under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), especially in matters related to revenue sharing, petroleum royalties, and the revision of Special Grants under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“Despite repeated assurances, the actual implementation is far from satisfactory,” Yap said, adding that Sarawak has been consistently shortchanged when it comes to development funding and autonomy.
He stressed that any recognition of fiscal success is incomplete without acknowledging the structural imbalances that continue to plague East Malaysia.
“No amount of international praise or improved credit ratings can mask the failure to honour Sarawak’s constitutional rights,” he added.
Yap urged the federal government to stop window-dressing its achievements and instead focus on substantive reforms that return dignity, justice, and fairness to Sarawak.
“The people of Sarawak are no longer easily swayed by polished narratives. What we want is what was promised to us, nothing more, nothing less,” he added.
By Connie Chieng