KUCHING: Assisting the less affluent states in the country is primarily the responsibility of the federal government.
In stressing this point, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg pointed out that on their part, the states — particularly those deemed as poorer — need to help themselves to be self-reliant.
He highlighted that economic growth is ultimately the responsibility of each state. Hence, Sarawak has been effectively managing its economy to achieve high-income status.
Abang Johari contrasted Sarawak’s economic situation with that of other states, asserting that they must work harder to improve their own conditions.
“Other states, it’s up to them. They need to work harder.
“How can we offer assistance when we have not yet fully completed our own efforts? Sarawak is a high-income state, but household income remains low, which is why I am focused on developing rural areas.
“Mahathir compares us with Kedah? Kedah is much smaller compared to Sarawak. Our size is equivalent to that of Peninsular,” he said.
Abang Johari said this during a press conference after officiating at the Sarawak Sustainability Insights 2024 at Pullman Hotel today (Oct 29).
The Premier was responding to a statement from former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who suggested that high-income Sarawak should assist less developed Malaysian states in their growth.
As such, Abang Johari pointed out that assisting less affluent states is the responsibility of the federal government.
“I represent the state, not the federal government. It is the federal government that helps poorer states.
“Petroleum companies pay Petroleum (Income Tax) Act 1967 (PITA) and corporate tax to the federal government. When Petronas makes a profit, it pays taxes, and its contractors also pay corporate tax to the federal government.
“They also take dividends as well as royalties. Sarawak only receives a small portion, just the sales tax. Sarawak is developing now because we manage our economy well; we can handle it. That’s why Sarawak has become a high-income state,” he added.
Abang Johari further addressed the disparity in federal allocations, stating that if comparisons were to be made, the budget allocated to all states in Peninsular would not match what was given to Sarawak.
He emphasised that Sarawak is expansive and has numerous dilapidated schools in need of attention, highlighting that tackling these issues is crucial for the state’s development.
“As the English proverb goes, ‘Charity begins at home’. Our own people still face many issues, so we must help our own first.
“That’s why I am working on providing electricity, water supply, and building bridges. In the past, longhouses relied on diesel; now they use solar power. All of this requires funding, and we work hard for it,” he said.
