SIBU: Sarawak continues to project an economic growth that is beyond expectations, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister of Finance and New Economy, noted that for the past few years, Sarawak’s revenue had been hitting double-digit growth.
“It is very lucky that we got some revenue; I cannot tell you the figure, but we have our figures up to December last year, and our revenue is double what we received four years ago.
“So, I will announce it (revenue) sometime next week. This (revenue growth) is beyond our expectation,” he said at a Chinese New Year gathering organised by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) here today (Jan 28).
He added that with the extra revenue, it could be allocated for the development to transform Sibu.
Previously, the state’s revenue was about RM5 billion to RM6 billion a year. It then jumped to around RM10 billion every year, and this was only possible because of the political stability of the state.
Abang Johari also said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during his recent visit to Sarawak, acknowledged Sarawak as a model if people want to see a progressive and united community.
“He even went to the extent of saying that Sarawak is the strongest region in Malaysia, both financially and in terms of our economic policy.
“He also acknowledged that Sarawak is charting a new economy based on digitalisation and green energy,” he said.
The premier also noted that he had shared with Anwar how Sarawak could experience continuous economic development.
“Actually, he asked me inside the car — how did you do this — and I said because we have a stable government, and with the stability, the leaders can explore new ideas on how to develop Sarawak,” he said.
He also said the Malaysia Madani concept instituted by the prime minister is also befitting Sarawak, which has a stable government and whose people understand each other’s cultures and religions.
“This is specifically what the prime minister said, Madani, which is exactly our approach where we work together, respect each other, and help each other,” he stressed.
