KUCHING, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Federal government has been closely collaborating with the state governments of Sarawak and Sabah to improve healthcare services in both states, said Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
She highlighted that the Joint Committee on Sarawak Health Development, held on Sept 9, which involved both federal and state representatives, made significant progress in upgrading healthcare facilities, renovating dilapidated clinics, and a pilot project for healthcare facilities in Sarawak.
"Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad and Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr. Sim Kui Hian co-chaired the meeting. Several matters were discussed, leading to positive developments.
"However, many issues remain to be addressed, and we hope to reach further agreements," she replied to a question from Billy Sujang (GPS-Opar) during today's Sarawak state legislative assembly session.
Billy inquired about the current status of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), particularly regarding Sarawak’s autonomy in education and healthcare services.
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ASSEMBLY-SARAWAK 2 (LAST) KUCHING
Sharifah Hasidah emphasised that the Federal government must implement the 10 education-related demands from the state, as agreed at the national level.
"One key demand approved is the delegation of authority to the Sarawak director of Education to approve projects funded by the state government or other parties, excluding the Federal government.
"These are administrative matters, and we hope they will not only be agreed upon but also executed," she said.
In September, the Ministry of Education confirmed its full agreement with the 10 demands, including efforts to strengthen the involvement of Sarawak's Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development.
Other demands are to allow the Sarawak government to hire Contract of Service teachers, subject to appointments by the Education Service Commission; ensure that Islamic Education time does not interfere with other subjects, particularly Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and facilitate the sharing of education data.