Prime Minister assures the state of more devolution of authority from federal government

Youngsters waving the Jalur Gemilang during a segment of the programme. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

Performers waving the Jalur Gemilang during a segment of the evening’s programme.
 

Najib launches the National Month celebration themed ‘Malaysia #sehatisejiwa’. Also seen (from left) are Mohd Salleh, Mawan and Adenan (right). — Photos by Tan Song Wei

Najib (centre), together with (from left) Mohd Salleh, Adenan, Rosmah and Jamilah, waves the national flag during the playing of the Jalur Gemilang theme song.

A section of the thousands who converged on Padang Merdeka for the launching of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign 2015.

KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has kept his promise that the state will receive more empowerment.

When addressing the thousands of people at the launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign 2015 at Padang Merdeka here yesterday, he said talks had begun between Chief Secretary to the Government and State Secretary on the type of federal functions that could be streamlined with the Sarawak government.

Najib explained that by delegating power, the country could save on resources as it would abolish duplication (overlapping of powers) between the state and federal governments.

“I have planned to give more empowerment to Sarawak. Discussions have begun between Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and Sarawak State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani to determine the type of empowerment that can be handed over to the state government.

“A lot of duplication (overlapping of powers) can be avoided and we can save a lot of resources if we streamline these powers between departments concerned in the federal and state governments,” he said at the event.

Others present included Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Salleh Said Keruak and Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan, who is also the co-organising chairperson of the event.

Najib mentioned that results of the negotiation would be announced soon together with Adenan, adding that the decision to give Sarawak more autonomy would benefit the nation as it would mean having a state that would be in sync with the federal government.

He explained that when the people of Sarawak decided to jointly form Malaysia, they had chosen to become part of a “bigger family” in the Federation of Malaysia, which had been protecting their interest and security.

“If Sarawak needs development aid, the federal government will give priority to the state. Infrastructure development (in particular rural areas), hospitals and health facilities, universities and schools, road network will be implemented. 

Even the iconic Pan Borneo Highway project has started.

“In this regard, we don’t have to entertain any talks of secession. Talks of Sarawak seceding from Malaysia are illogical and absurd. I agree with Chief Minister Adenan that ‘it is stupid talk’, because ever since Sarawak became independent in Malaysia, the state has enjoyed many benefits,” he continued.

Prior to the launching, Padang Merdeka was the centre of various activities organised by government agencies and private sector over the past few days, which included the Jalur Gemilang Run, pantomime, exhibition, busking, Zumba.

Programmes included the Jalur Gemilang Run, pantomime, exhibition, busking and Zumba.

A host of renowned local singers such as Anuar Zain, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Bob AF, Azlan Typewriter and Gabriel Fairus were scheduled to entertain the crowd after the launching ceremony.

Fireworks lighted the sky at the end of the event as Najib and Rosmah left to attend Parti Peska Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Aidilfitri open house at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

This year’s National Day celebration is themed ‘Malaysia #sehatisejiwa’ (Malaysia – One Heart One Soul).