Why is DAP demanding an extra RM2 billion for Sabah and Sarawak?

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DAP Proposes RM2 Billion Increase for Sabah and Sarawak to Enhance Inclusivity and Address Development Gaps

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) is advocating for an additional RM2 billion in Budget 2022 allocations for Sabah and Sarawak. This proposed increase aims to demonstrate the federal government's commitment to all demographic groups under the "Keluarga Malaysia" (Malaysian Family) concept by ensuring equitable distribution of funds, particularly for non-Bumiputera communities who have historically received a disproportionately smaller share. The party contends that such an allocation, focused on needs rather than race, would foster socio-economic justice and national unity.
Equitable Distribution for "Keluarga Malaysia"

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has proposed that the additional RM2 billion be divided equally between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera recipients. This measure is intended to underscore the government's genuine care for all segments of society, aligning with the "Keluarga Malaysia" slogan. The party believes that public allocations should be based on need, a principle that promotes socio-economic justice, leads to more effective outcomes, and strengthens national unity, rather than relying on divisive racial categorisations.
Addressing Disparities in Funding

The DAP highlights that non-Bumiputera communities, despite comprising 30 per cent of the population, received only RM345 million, or 0.1 per cent, of the total Budget 2022. This disparity is seen as a significant issue, and the proposed additional RM2 billion, with half allocated to non-Bumiputeras, would help to rectify this imbalance. The party criticizes arguments from some PAS Members of Parliament that oppose these additional allocations on racial grounds, asserting that such justifications are divisive and counterproductive.
Impact on Federal Finances and Development Expenditure

Lim Guan Eng argues that the proposed RM2 billion increase would not significantly impact the federal government's debt or deficit, representing a minimal fraction of the overall budget deficit. He specifically noted that allocating an extra RM500 million to four critical sectors, totalling RM2 billion, amounts to just 0.1 per cent of the budget deficit. Furthermore, the DAP points out that Sabah and Sarawak are receiving less development expenditure in Budget 2022 compared to the allocations made under Pakatan Harapan's Budget 2020, in percentage terms, indicating a need for greater focus on these regions.

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Why is DAP demanding an extra RM2 billion for Sabah and Sarawak?

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