Datuk Ibrahim Baki (GPS-Satok) has dismissed criticism from certain quarters as jealousy-driven.
“There are voices buzzing around like mosquitoes,” he said during the Supply Bill 2025 debate today (Nov 15).
“When we prosper, there are those who become jealous. That’s how it is—having money is challenging, but not having money is even harder.”
“When we are prosperous like now, they want to create problems. But no problem, we take it as a ‘happy problem’,” he added.
Ibrahim claimed these critics are from outside Sarawak.
He also recalled a retired senior leader who accused Sarawakians of laziness, despite their hard work and progress.
“And now, when we have progressed, he is asking us to help other states in the Peninsula. The world has turned upside down,” he said.
“It is Putrajaya’s responsibility to look after the states in Malaysia, not ours. That’s the concept of federalism.”
Ibrahim also criticised a former finance minister for accusing Sarawak of not following agreements.
He argued that Tun Rahman, the former chief minister, proposed handing over oil and gas revenues to the federal government when Sarawak was underdeveloped.
“First of all, it makes no sense for us to surrender our resources when Sarawak was so underdeveloped at that time,” he said.
“Even if it were true, there should have been a set timeframe or review period. Secondly, Tun Rahman is no longer with us, so how can this claim be verified? We are law-abiding citizens. We never reneged on any agreement.”
“Sarawak’s existing laws have not been repealed and that the laws enacted by this August House must be respected by all,” he added.
