‘We have an aspiration that in 2030, Sarawak will become a developed and excellent state. I aspire to transform our state into a major player in the Federation of Malaysia. That is why we must defend our unique position and God-given resources.’
– Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
Last Monday, the Sarawak government under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg unveiled its 2024 State Budget.
It was a colossal budget and Sarawak’s highest ever at RM12.363 billion. It surpassed the previous record budget of RM11.914 billion, the 2019 State Budget.
What is more important, for lawmakers and political observers is that the 2024 State Budget is a surplus budget with the state’s projected revenue at RM12.7 billion.
All these talking points have been debated at length by lawmakers in the Sarawak legislature as well as the ‘goodies’ that were introduced by the Premier.
Among them is the provision of aid for students from low-income households through an RM500 book voucher as well as the distribution of free laptops.
Also continued are major development projects not only limited to infrastructure but also social as well as human capital development.
The GPS- (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) led government has also made major strides in the areas of green economy by leveraging on environmentally-friendly solutions which is in line with the global economic trend.
The component of environment, social and governance (ESG) is vital for businesses to remain competitive as well as take the next step towards expansion to a wider and international market.
To reiterate this commitment towards environmental sustainability, the Sarawak legislature has passed two Bills which are the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emissions) Bill, 2023 and the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The former is a piece of legislation that provides a legal framework whereby it mandates the reporting of carbon emissions to a Registrar and includes laws for carbon storage and carbon trading.
This Bill serves to put Sarawak ahead of other states in the country and the federal government in the area of greenhouse gas emissions reduction and empowers Sarawak to impose levies on carbon trading which is a high-value market.
Meanwhile, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 will provide for the development of cascading hydropower as well as solar energy as an electricity source which will contribute towards clean energy transition and the power generation mix.
Another Bill that was passed is the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill, 2023 which provides for the establishment of an ombudsman unit that has powers of investigation and reporting to the Sarawak legislature.
This independent body is chaired by a chief ombudsman who is appointed by the Sarawak Governor, allowing some degree of separation from the executive branch. This serves as a means of checks and balances as well as deter maladministration.
All of these are positive news, particularly for the people of Sarawak, who are now seeing their state being transformed economically and upholding good governance practices.
In a sense, this government is putting its ears close to the ground and is capable of pushing laws that are in the best interest of Sarawak and its people who welcome reforms as we update our laws to keep up with the times.
This is a win on the optics front by the GPS state government and Abang Johari.
They have been able to shift the perception that Sarawak is a “backwater” state when compared to others in Malaysia.
Sarawak is ahead on so many fronts even to the extent that the federal government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have turned to Abang Johari, asking the latter to brief the federal Cabinet and other states on Sarawak’s economic model.
That being said, it is important for the Sarawak government to not only introduce its policies but also explain them in a manner that is easily understood by the population.
The area of new economy is unchartered waters to many Sarawakians and the state government must do well to sell their narrative and vision to the general public.
Similarly, is the topic of implementation whereby patience is needed for long-term goals and strategies to materialise.
In my view, the Sarawak government made the right call by focusing on effective solutions to existential problems in the long run as opposed to notching quick wins that might not be as meaningful or beneficial.
These two are important because the people’s expectation of their government is at an all-time high and we are living in a world of internet armchair critics with itchy fingers.
It is not enough that Sarawak does well; the people must believe that we are doing well. They must get behind the same narrative as the support of the community is essential to fulfil our development goals.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
