BY NURA V LORNA
THE Sarawak Budget 2025, the largest budget ever presented in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN), stands as a strong commitment by the Sarawak government to advance the state’s development agenda.
In tabling the budget, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised its focus on inclusive growth, aiming to improve the quality of life for all Sarawakians.
Expressing appreciation for the federal government’s increased allocation from RM5.8 billion to RM5.9 billion for Sarawak’s development, Abang Johari urged for more substantial federal support.
“Considering Sarawak’s contribution to national economic development and federal coffers, particularly through revenues generated from oil and gas, I urge the federal government to consider allocating a significantly larger budget to Sarawak in its future financial plans,” he said.
He added that Sarawak has seen significant achievements over the past seven years and will continue to strive to improve the quality of life for its people, laying a strong foundation for future generations.
“This can be achieved through continuous modernisation and transformation of public services to ensure the government machinery can deliver more effective services to the people,” he added.
Abang Johari also expressed confidence that Sarawak could continue its progress to become a new economic power in Malaysia, provided that it maintains clear, progressive policies, political stability, unity among its multiracial and multireligious population, and a fair and just administration for all.
This, he said, is Sarawak’s formula for success that must be preserved indefinitely, pledging that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government remains dedicated to realising the state’s vision of prosperity and a brighter future by 2030.
He added that the budget demonstrates the government’s commitment to driving Sarawak’s economy forward while addressing the cost of living and ensuring the people benefit from ongoing development.
“We will continue to safeguard the environment and address climate change challenges, so that our development is sustainable, inclusive, and equitable.
“We want to build a better Sarawak – not just for a few, but for all Sarawakians. We want to ensure that every Sarawakian can experience well-being and a dignified life without ever feeling marginalised.
“We want to build Sarawak that is vibrant and inclusive, fair and thriving, resilient, harmonious, and united,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he urged for unity to overcome them.
Abang Johari called on all Sarawakians to play their part in the journey toward shared goals and aspirations, according to their own mould (or nitih cuan kitai empu in Iban).
“Of course, the road ahead towards a better Sarawak will not be easy. There will be challenges that may pull us apart, but if we stand together, no one will be able to divide and rule us,” he said.
