Sarawak forms sub-committees pertaining to devolution of power

Sarawak has formed a committee chaired by its state secretary to facilitate a discussion with the federal government on matters involving devolution of power.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the committee comprised four sub-committees, namely involving constitutional rights; financial and funding; administration matters and development planning; and, implementation.

He said his priority was to ensure the people and the state benefited from a more efficient and effective implementation of some matters which currently, were under the Federal and Concurrent Lists.

He said among matters he would work on, together with the federal government for decentralisation include the powers relating to prosecution for criminal offences under state laws; administration of sports in the state; and, the environment.

"Also, on financial matters, including those related to fees and licences for services and matters within the purview of the federal government, as well as the review of Special Grants to the State under Article 112D; shipping, including lights and buoys, as well as wrecks and salvage; and public works in the state for federal purposes," he said while tabling the Sarawak RMK-11 at the one-day State Legislative Assembly sitting here Monday.

Adenan added that others included the education issue, to be in tandem with the state requirements, and matters related to health, welfare, tourism, fisheries, heritage and housing.

Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the federal government had initiated discussion with Sarawak on further empowering several departments of the Sarawak Government.

State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar adjourned the sitting sine die.