Firdausi, a lecturer at Sabah UiTM, pointed out that the RM6.6 billion allocation for Sabah was less than the funds provided for certain programmes announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

“For Sabah, it’s only RM6.6 billion. Compare that with technical, vocational education and training (TVET) which received an allocation of RM6.8 billion,” he told FMT.

DAP’s Yii agreed, saying that the amount, together with the RM5.8 billion allocated for Sarawak, would not be enough to cover the need for development and other grievances faced by both states.

However, Firdausi acknowledged that Sabahans and Sarawakians would benefit from funds directed towards certain programmes, including TVET.

“Dilapidated schools will also be refurbished, so maybe that’s how they direct the money (to the two states) instead of giving a full development budget to Sabah and Sarawak.”

Balanced development

Meanwhile, Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor said the RM100 million increase in development allocation for Sabah demonstrated the unity government’s commitment to fostering balanced development nationwide.

“The Sabah state government welcomes the allocation and is determined to draw inspiration from it when presenting the Sabah state budget for 2024 soon.

“The improved and progressive fiscal policy introduced through the 2024 budget has the potential to enhance the state’s economy and attract foreign investments,” Hajiji said in a statement.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, announced a total allocation of RM393.8 billion when tabling the 2024 budget yesterday. This is an increase of RM5.8 billion from the RM388 billion that was allocated for 2023.