KUCHING: The recent recognition by the World Bank of Sarawak’s high-income status speaks volumes about the performance of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government since 2018, according to Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the Deputy Premier believes that the best is yet to come for Sarawak.
Dr Sim said Sarawak’s revenue would continue to grow, especially with the state government’s focus on the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“As Sarawak’s revenue rapidly increases, the federal government’s revenue from Sarawak will also experience significant growth,” he said on Friday (July 7).
The achievement of high-income status contradicted the allegations made by the Democratic Action Party (DAP) claiming that Sarawak is ‘bankrupt’, he said.
“Such statements are often repeated by DAP during election periods. Let us – every Sarawakian, no matter where you are, work together in building Sarawak.”
Additionally, Dr Sim noted that Sarawak had generously shared its natural resource wealth with the rest of Malaysia for the past 40 years.
He pointed out that it was now time for the state to receive a fair share of the federal revenue in accordance with Section 112D of the Federal Constitution and aligned with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), as it is the state’s entitlement.
Highlighting the infrastructure projects yet to be developed in Sarawak, such as roads, schools, hospitals, flood mitigation, drainage, and housing, Dr Sim stated that the state government would collaborate with various sectors to create more opportunities for Sarawakians to get trained, employed, and pursue entrepreneurial prospects to enhance the income distribution and improve the gross national income (GNI) per capita.
“As the economy continues to grow, I hope Sarawakians residing within and outside the state will seize job and economic opportunities.
“By doing so, every individual can contribute to nation-building and accelerate progress for Sarawak.”
