PAPAR: The Federal Unity Government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has approved the recommendation of the Sabah and Sarawak governments – the devolution of powers to the Technical Committee of the Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department to implement federal development projects worth less than RM50 million.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs, and Special Duties), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said the devolution is expected to help expedite the implementation of various planned projects, thereby boosting economic development in both states.
He said this means that federal projects valued at less than RM50 million that were previously implemented by federal agencies are now directly implemented by the Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department.
Armizan told reporters this after officiating the Bicara Merdeka Programme in conjunction with National Day 2023 at the SM Agama Negeri (State Islamic Secondary School) Toh Puan Hajjah Rahmah in Kinarut, near here today.
He said empowerment was also given to district offices to implement projects at the grassroots level.
However, he said the problem that is often raised is the lack of technical officers to supervise and monitor the implementation of federal projects at the district level.
In this regard, he said the federal government agreed to place three technical officers on a contract basis, namely one engineer and two assistant engineers, in each of the 38 districts in Sabah.
Armizan said with the appointment of the technical officers, it will help speed up the implementation of federal development projects for the good of the people.
Commenting on the Bicara Merdeka programme, he said it was the best platform for the people to understand the significance of independence day and the sacrifices of past leaders who worked tirelessly to develop this country.
Armizan said it also provides an opportunity to deepen the knowledge of the Madani’s aspirations, which are aimed at enhancing the economy and the well-being of the people.
