Kuala lumpur: Two Sarawak senators have pressed the government to focus on the challenges surrounding land grant ownership and the prohibitive land premium renewal fees impacting rural inhabitants.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Senator Abun Sui Anyit stressed the necessity for both federal and state governments to relax land grant ownership criteria, especially for development and housing initiatives in Sarawak and Sabah's interior regions. He pointed out that despite the government's housing programs for impoverished and young residents, the stringent land title ownership requirements remain a significant hurdle for many rural dwellers who lack the necessary documentation.
Many rural residents have succeeded in initial project applications for infrastructure like access roads to longhouses and drainage systems. However, these projects often hit a roadblock when land grants are demanded as a mandatory requirement for execution. "We in the interior indeed do not have land grants. Therefore, I request the ministries to consider easing this requirement. Don't let the housing programme provided be inaccessible to us in the rural areas just because of technical grant issues," stated Anyit during a Senate debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address.
Senator Roderick Wong Siew Lead recommended that the federal government collaborate with the state government concerning land premium renewal rates to ensure clarity and transparency in classification guidelines. He highlighted the need for a briefing and consultation process before any rate increases or category changes, citing a previous instance of sudden hikes in Sarikei, Sarawak. Wong proposed the introduction of an independent review mechanism to offer a straightforward appeal process for any disputes over classification or payment rates, emphasizing the gradual implementation of new rates.
In addition to land issues, the Senate discussed strategies to combat corruption by enhancing civil servants' allowances and bolstering the integrity of enforcement agencies. Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin advocated for a government review of salary structures and special allowances, particularly for law enforcement officers and community-facing public servants. He argued that restructuring salaries or increasing the cost of living allowance could deter corruption, drawing parallels with Singapore's success in reducing corruption through competitive remuneration for enforcement officers.
Senator Datuk Dr Mustafa Musa proposed amendments to the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009, suggesting the inclusion of agencies like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under its purview. He also recommended cross-programmes among EAIC supervisory agencies to enhance efficiency and safeguard public servants' integrity. "Remember, the downfall of an empire is not only due to the weakness of greedy political ambitions but also because of the compromised values of integrity," he warned.
The Senate session is scheduled to resume tomorrow.