SARAWAK’s financial capacity has been further strengthened with the additional source of revenue from state sales tax on petroleum products, of which to date, the state has collected RM18.6 billion.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who was responding to Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen said he (Chong) should not create unnecessary fear over the future of Sarawakians as the state government has established its Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund.
“Here, we are committed on the appropriation of an initial RM8 billion into the Future Fund followed by subsequent annual appropriation over a period of 20 years and until then the money from the fund cannot be withdrawn, even by successive governments.
“This is proof of our commitment to safeguarding and preserving the state reserves for the people of Sarawak. “Thus, the claim that our reserves are at risk and depleting is baseless and totally uncalled for,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech on Wednesday.
Abang Johari, who is Finance and New Economy Minister said the Gabunan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is a responsible government.
“We will build a prosperous future for all Sarawakians. There was a ‘prophecy’ that Sarawak would become bankrupt during the first three years of my leadership.
“As all of you know, this did not happen. Instead of becoming bankrupt, we managed to further increase our revenue, while at the same time, Sarawak became a high-income economy, recognised by the Word Bank,” he stressed.
Furthermore, he said the state has put robust and strategic measures in place to ensure the practice of good governance, strict financial discipline and prudent financial management are complied with at all levels and at all times.
“We are very transparent in our disclosures related to alternative funding programme, not just updating the physical and financial progress at every DUN session but also strictly adhering to other forms of reporting to other regulatory bodies.
“The allegation that we circumvent the budgeting process is mala fide and baseless,” he said.
