Abang Johari said the ministers must also detail projects planned by their respective ministries to the Sarawak government to allow state officials to ensure proper coordination.

“The state officers need to know what they (ministers) are doing and what projects they want to implement so that we can coordinate as desired by the prime minister,” he said at a press conference in Kuching.

He added that his call was coherent with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recommendation that all ministers comply with the state government’s protocols and cooperate with local leaders in the implementation of projects.

Abang Johari also said the state government will be allowed to implement the “full package” for infrastructure projects below RM50 million involving schools, roads and healthcare.

“We have about RM4 billion allocated for us (in the federal budget). They (Putrajaya) agreed that we will implement the full package.

“This means the consultation, support service, tender, and planning will be conducted by Sarawak because the healthcare and school projects involve the rural areas. This way, we can implement the project as soon as possible.”

In January, Anwar announced that the implementation of all infrastructure projects under RM50 million in Sabah and Sarawak will be decided on by the respective states.

Abang Johari, who is chairman of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak coalition, said GPS had agreed to form a consultation council to have discussions with Putrajaya on the direction of the country’s development and coordinate directly with the federal government in the event of any internal issues.

He said the council will ensure that all conditions outlined in the coalition agreement signed in December would be fulfilled. GPS is a member of the unity coalition that supports Anwar’s government.