PM announces benefits for Sabah - The Star

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi kicked off his two-day visit to Sabah by bringing good news to the people of the state.

The Prime Minister's "Kaamatan gift" covered a range of areas, many of which are seen by the people in the state as urgently needed to solve problems faced by Sabah and the neighbouring state of Sarawak.

He made the announcement during a press conference after meeting with Sabah Barisan Nasional leaders and civil servants Saturday.

Abdullah said many of the issues were raised during his visit to the state on April 7.

"We in the Federal government have considered the request made and acting upon it,” he said, adding that they needed to be done step by step.

Among the most significant were abolishing of the Sabah Federal Development Department (JPPS) which had come under a lot of criticism. The Sabah State Development Office will take its place.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/31/nation/20080531221918&sec=nation]