KUCHING: Sarawak’s political stability and clear policies have transformed it into an economic giant in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He attributed this success to the strong leadership of the state Cabinet, led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Premier has emphasised the importance of working together as a united and formidable team.
“Beyond the states we recognise – Penang, Selangor, and Johor… We can see that Sarawak is rising to an ‘economic giant’.
“This is due to several factors such as the political stability of Sarawak and its clear policies,” he said.
He said this during the 2024 Sarawak state-level Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night (June 22).
Anwar said it was important to have clarity in policies, which facilitates ease of doing business.
“The commitment and seriousness of the leaders, Premier and his deputies showing their commitment, seriousness, understanding or the priorities for the country and the state in particular in Sarawak.
“You see, you have seen a remarkable achievement based on great significance, not only for Sarawak, but the whole county,” he said.
Reflecting on his recent travels to Germany and Japan, Anwar noted that potential investors frequently recognize Malaysia and increasingly see Sarawak as a major regional hub.
“However, what is remarkable to me, I must state with great confidence and pride that Sarawak is seen as a major hub in the region,” he said.
He added Sarawak’s economic strengths are no longer limited to its abundant energy resources like solar power, petroleum, gas and renewable energy.
“The state is also making strides in new areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, food security, new and green energy. I salute the leadership of Sarawak for their firmness in these areas,”he said.
Reflecting on Gawai, he said it can be seen there is a spirit of togetherness that is crucial for the country’s progress.
“When we talk about modern economic theories, it is not about catching up to more developed countries.
“In the context of the Madani and Sarawak’s economy, it is not about catching up, it is about leapfrogging.
“Therefore, to elevate Sarawak’s economic status and success, it’s not just about catching up with other states like Penang, Selangor, or Johor, or other regions. It requires thinking, planning, and implementing programmes that will propel us beyond initial expectations.
“This is the economic theory for developing nations which is aiming for significant achievements,” said Anwar.
Among those present were Abang Johari and his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who is also the event working committee chairman.
