SIBU: The 60th year of the Sarawak independence celebration holds special importance as the state aspires to become one of Malaysia’s developed regions by 2030 under the visionary leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said Christopher Gira Sambang.
The Tamin assemblyman said that the year 2020 has been an unprecedented and challenging year with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the health and economic crisis, disrupted businesses and affected people’s livelihoods across the globe.
“Under the Premier’s leadership, Sarawak Economic Action Council (SEAC) was formed (comprising leaders from various sectors) on May 16, 2020, to formulate the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 20230 (PCDS 2030).
“This initiative is to ensure Sarawak can embark on a full-fledged transformation capitalising on the mega trend around the world such as globalisation, supply chain resilience, digitalisation, new industrial revolution, circular economy and transition toward low carbon economy,” he said in a statement today.
Gira said that in the education sector, the Sarawak government initiated the establishment of five Yayasan Sarawak International Private Secondary Schools with two in Kuching and one each here, Bintulu, and Miri.
He said that managed by Sajung Service Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Yayasan Sarawak, these schools will offer the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) to provide quality education to Sarawakians.
“Students from well-to-do families will have to pay the full fees, and students from M40 families will receive a partial subsidy while students from B40 families will receive a full subsidy to study in the school. I would like to encourage parents to grab this opportunity by sending their children to enrol into these schools,” he said.
Gira also said that Sarawak is making strides in its higher learning institutions by taking over prominent universities and colleges like the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Laila Taib College Sibu, Curtin University Malaysia, i-Cats University College, the state-owned training centre known as Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) and more.
“This is part of an effort to provide higher learning education on par with that provided by international universities. We want the quality of our graduates to be on par with those from all parts of the world,” he said.
He also said that Sarawak’s efforts to attract investments have borne fruit, with RM32 billion in investments recorded last year, creating over 5,000 new job opportunities.
Gira stressed that the primary sector led the investments, followed by the manufacturing and services sectors. The state also witnessed a significant increase in total trade, fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Meanwhile, in the pursuit of food security, he said the Sarawak government is proactively addressing agricultural challenges to reduce dependency on imports, bolster the local economy, and preserve resources with plans to increase self-sufficiency in livestock production.
He also said that sustainability and green technology take centre stage in Sarawak’s vision for the future and the state is committed to becoming a sustainable green economy, incorporating environmental considerations into economic recovery and growth strategies.
“Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) has been established to accelerate economic growth in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), attracting more investments and providing the necessary infrastructure and amenities for development,” he said.
Gira stressed that with stability in governance being crucial for progress, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) urges for a stable federal government after the 15th General Election (GE15).
“Having a strong and stable federal government would enable Malaysia to deal with the economic crisis. Hence, we (Sarawak) want a stable government. Therefore, I appeal to fellow Sarawakians and Malaysians to give a chance and full support to the current unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to run this country.
“Let us together enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusivity and a sustainable environment. For that, I would like to wish all Sarawakians Happy 60th Year’s Independence Day. Sarawak Makmur, Sarawak First,” he said.
