BETONG: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has cautioned against efforts by some quarters to disrupt Sarawak’s progress.
He remarked that certain individuals from the peninsula might feel ‘envious’ of Sarawak’s financial success, noting the state’s impressive revenue growth to RM13 billion, significantly higher than most other states.
“When Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas represented me to attend the national financial council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, they reviewed a chart showing the revenue of each state.
“The indicators showed most states only making between RM4-RM5 billion, except Selangor which may do better. Sabah increased a little to about RM6 billion, while Sarawak spiked to RM13 billion. It is transparent; we cannot hide our revenue and financial performance,
“Even Kedah Menteri Besar appealed if Sarawak can pay tithe (zakat) for rubber,” he said this when officiating at the Betong Division Ngabang Gawai Dayak at Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall on Wednesday.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak’s revenue for the first quarter of this year had already reached RM4 billion, suggesting an even better financial performance for the year.
As such, he warned about those attempting to undermine Sarawak’s progress through online articles and other means, emphasising that the state’s achievements were the result of hard work, not luck.
“Can a lazy person depend on luck? Don’t be jealous when Sarawak makes RM13 billion in revenue. That’s all hard work by our leaders.
“It is not easy to build bridges with many projects previously cancelled, but I see it as a challenge. We did not depend on others but found our own money to fund all of it at a cost of RM12 billion.
“All these were like yesterday’s dreams, but now they are materialising. These are the fruits of our hard work, and people are proud to see these developments, like the Bintulu-Kemena bridge, while the bridge across Batang Lupar is also taking shape nicely,” he added.
Addressing accusations related to Sarawak’s role in the oil and gas sector, Abang Johari clarified that the state is simply exercising its legal rights under the constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
He stressed that Sarawak did not snatch the right of Petroliam National Berhad (Petronas) or the PDA (Petroleum Development Act) to manage gas distribution, but is exercising its rightful claim.
“I know infringing on others’ rights is wrong but it is also wrong to take our rights,” he added.
Additionally, Abang Johari assured that Sarawak’s revenue would be reinvested in development projects to improve the community and help the region achieve high-income status by 2030.
“Hopefully, this Gawai will bring us many returns,” said Abang Johari.
Also present during the event were Premier’s wife Puan Sri Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and several other ministers.
