Why is the Sarawak Government using Sarawak's own money to finance a bridge that many Sarawakians believe should ordinarily be funded by the Federal Government?
Every year, billions of ringgit generated from Sarawak through taxes, petroleum, gas and other economic activities flow to the Federal Government.
If so much wealth leaves Sarawak, why must Sarawak still dip into its own coffers to build major infrastructure?
Is this not asking Sarawakians to pay twice?
First, through the wealth contributed to the Federation.
Then again through Sarawak's own funds.If the Federal Government collects the revenue, should it not also shoulder a fair share of the responsibility for funding major public infrastructure?
This issue raises another important question.
Has GPS fought hard enough to secure a greater return of the revenues generated from Sarawak?
If Sarawak must increasingly finance projects that many believe should receive federal funding, what does that say about Sarawak's bargaining position?
PBK believes the people deserve a clear explanation.
Sarawak is not a poor state.
Sarawak should not have to keep paying twice while billions of ringgit generated from its resources continue to flow elsewhere.
The people deserve transparency.
The people deserve accountability.
Most importantly, the people deserve a fiscal arrangement that is fair to Sarawak.
VOON LEE SHAN
President
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK)