The federal government is showing its concern for Sarawak with an allocation of RM1 billion to repair dilapidated schools the state in the 2018 Budget, even though the state government had stated its intention to use Development Bank of Sarawak funds for the purpose first, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak agreed to it because he did not want DBOS’ funds to be used for the purpose.

According to Zahid, he had earlier had a discussion with Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg on Sarawak’s needs to repair dilapidated schools in the state, and when the outcome was relayed, the prime minister deemed it to be an application that was wise and showed the concern of the state leadership on the matter.

He said the prime minister then gave the National Economic Action Council two weeks to study the request and within a very short time, the allocation was finalised.

“How can a request from a nice person like Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Jo be rejected, I don’t think Abang Jo has any ‘jampi’ (magical powers) to ensure the allocation was approved… but it was the result of a leader who is truly sincere in wanting to develop his state.

“The Prime Minister agreed with the idea without asking too many questions,” he said at the “Expressi Negaraku” event at Dataran Perayaan Petra Jaya here today.

Ahmad Zahid said that when the Sabah government heard this, they too put in an application for the same, which the prime minister also agreed to because it was for a good reason.

He said this was proof that the federal government was not solely focused on the peninsula, and it was not a question of “Sabah for Sabahans” or ‘Sarawak for Sarawakians,” but the government prioritising the well-being of all Malaysians.

He said comfort, harmony and well-being did not “fall out of the sky” but the outcome of good leadership which has the support of all the people, that is inherited and championed not just at certain times but more importantly nurtured and safeguarded for all time.

“This ‘Ekspresi Negaraku’ programme is a manifestation of the caring attitude of the government to all Malaysians, irrespective of race, religion or background, and it is not mere rhetoric but instead all development programmes by the government are implemented with vigour for the benefit of all,” he said.

Some 30 exhibition booths were made available at today’s programme aimed at boosting patriotism. Starting at 6am, it also included activities like Larian bendera Negaraku, senamrobik, introduction of Negaraku icons and stage shows.

- Bernama