KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg welcomes the revised Budget 2023 particularly on the upgrading of dilapidated schools and clinics.
He thanked Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the allocation of RM5.6 billion to Sarawak.
“I am grateful for the allocation even though the amount is not enough. The state government really wants to help the people.
“I have spoken to the Prime Minister about the state government’s plans to continue the development of road connectivity as well as water and electricity supply in Sarawak. I told him if the federal government would like to channel additional funds, it is very much welcomed.
“Nonetheless, we will continue these development projects and efforts with our own funds,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after a site visit and briefing for construction and completion of Jalan Sungai Maong to Segedup on yesterday (Feb 25).
Abang Johari pointed out that the state government has been developing the coastal roads especially in the poverty areas as one of the infrastructures to help the people.
He said efforts to upgrade the basic infrastructures such as electricity and water supply would contribute to the efforts to eradicate poverty.
“I told the prime minister that you cannot measure wealth based on cash, it must be based on assets. The people in rural areas may not be wealthy in terms of cash, but they have native customary rights (NCR) lands or farms, just that they do not monetised their assets.
“Hence, based on economic theory, they are not considered as poor but perhaps they do not have the right knowledge,” he said.
As such, Abang Johari stated that poverty can be eradicated through education which is why the state government puts empowerment of education as one of its policies.
He said through education, the people especially those in the rural areas would have the knowledge to utilise their assets to increase their source of income.
“This is why I do not really agree with e-Kasih programme because the recipients may be in a comfort zone knowing that they will receive free money (assistance).
“Our approach and policy in this is to equip the people with knowledge because you cannot just give them the fish, but you have to teach them how to catch the fish,” he said.
Abang Johari reiterated that the revenue from state sales tax on oil and gas will continue to be channeled for development projects in Sarawak and for Sarawakians.
“It is the federal government’s responsibility to give allocation to the state, but this does not mean we will stop working to look for other funds which will be invested in development projects,” he added.
