KUCHING (Nov 20): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has strongly defended Sarawak’s reliance on alternative funding to develop crucial infrastructure projects, particularly for rural communities.
Speaking during his winding-up speech in the State Legislative Assembly today, Uggah underscored the importance of this funding mechanism in accelerating the development of roads and bridges under the Sarawak Second Trunk Road and Coastal Highway projects.
“Without alternative funding, 2.1 million rural residents would not see roads and bridges being implemented. These are lifelines for the rural folk. I’m shocked at the opposition’s stance on this matter,” said Uggah.
The Deputy Premier, who is also the Second Minister for Finance and New Economy, explained that funds raised through alternative funding are injected into the economy to spur growth. He emphasised that the availability of these funds allows the state to fast-track its economic agenda and infrastructural goals.
Responding to concerns raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, Uggah clarified that servicing obligations for alternative funding are integrated into the annual development expenditure budget and presented for approval in the State Legislative Assembly.
“Our commitment remains well-contained at 12 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In comparison, Malaysia’s national debt stood at 65.4 per cent of GDP as of June this year,” he noted, rebutting claims of financial mismanagement.
Chong, however, expressed concerns over the state’s growing dependence on alternative funding, describing the allocation as “shockingly large.” He highlighted that nearly 80 per cent of the state’s annual development expenditure since 2023 has relied on this mechanism.
In his response, Uggah assured that the government’s financial strategy aims to balance growth with sustainability, benefiting both urban and rural communities in the long run.
