Budget 2018 was tabled by Prime Minister Najib Razak on Oct 27.

James Masing said all parties should understand that the budget announced for 2018 was not a one-off allocation.

“Many say the allocation is not enough. Do not look at it as one-off. We must understand, there will be a rolling plan, so we can ask again,” he said after opening the Petronas Outreach Programme at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Pelagus here on Friday.

He said Budget 2018 was an inclusive budget in terms of helping people in the country.

Masing said he hoped the state government would continue its ‘Go Rural’ policy for the Sarawak 2018 budget to be tabled during the sitting of the second meeting of the second session of the 18th Sarawak Legislative Assembly beginning Monday.

He said this was to ensure the continuation of development in the interiors of Sarawak that former Chief Minister, the late Adenan Satem had emphasised when he was leading the state.

“This coming budget, the emphasis is still on rural efforts. I am sure Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will carry on with that. That is my hope,” he said.

During the event, Petronas, together with its eight business partners, spent RM1.35 million on the corporate social responsibility programme at the school that included the construction of a hall, a covered walkway, new hostel toilets, a school entrance and upgrading of other school facilities.

The programme, which began in March, has benefited 54 students, 14 teachers and nine support staff.