KOTA KINABALU: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has called for allocations to Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsula to be balanced after the status of Sabah and Sarawak as a region in the Federation of Malaysia is gazetted.
In this regard, he said Sabah and Sarawak's allocation should be one-third of the funds under the Malaysia Five-Year Development Plan as well as the national annual budget.
"The requirement should be institutionalised. It is not only one-third of the seats in Parliament for Sabah and Sarawak which received attention recently but one-third of the development allocation and funds should also get due attention," he said when opening the 16th UPKO Triennial general meeting here today.
He said UPKO wants the wider focus to be given to Sabah and Sarawak encompassing every aspect of the people's livelihood as well as quality facilities and infrastructure which is the basis of the socioeconomic status.
"When we talk about the target of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it should not remain on the lips by claiming that Malaysia adopted the SDGs drafted by the United Nations. It should be translated and implemented to bring sustainable development.
"We don't want Sabah to remain a poor state for another 50 years. We don't want to talk about the lack of quality water supply for another 50 years. We don't want to talk about the existence of dilapidated schools for another 50 years," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Madius requested that UPKO vice president Datuk Ewon Benedick who will lead the party, to strengthen UPKO so that it is always relevant, especially in the current era.
"Today we are in a new political landscape. It requires a new leadership approach. I am calling on all members to play a more effective role, based on the new approach, to succeed in our struggle...and prioritise long-term benefits for the party and the people.
"UPKO must always listen to the people's voices and grouses. Time has changed in terms of various challenges which of course require us to make decisions throughout our struggle as a political organisation," he said.
He said UPKO needs to avoid things that the people hate the most such as the practice of racist politics, the practice of arrogance, religious extremism and acts of corruption.
Ewon will officially take over the position of UPKO president from Madius at the 16th UPKO Triennial Conference this afternoon after appearing as the sole candidate for the position, while Madius, who is also Tuaran MP, will be appointed as UPKO honourary president.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Jan 15 2023
Wilfred Madius said Sabah and Sarawak's allocation should be one-third of the funds under the Malaysia Five-Year Development Plan as well as the national annual budget. - BERNAMA/Filepic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.