MIRI: As Sarawak’s infrastructure undergoes significant upgrades under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) leadership, debates over the impact of these developments on wealth distribution have intensified.
While local leaders credit strategic investments for driving the state’s recent economic growth, opposition voices, notably from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak, argues that these improvements disproportionately benefit the wealthy, leaving the general public wondering about the true beneficiaries of the rapid modernisation.
Publicity and Information Secretary of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Youth Central, Kelvin Hii defended the government’s approach, emphasising the need for foundational infrastructures to achieve sustainable development.
He cited that the ruling coalition’s investments, such as the Pan Borneo Highway, were instrumental in transforming Sarawak, stating that for a nation to prosper, it has to build roads connectivity first.
He criticised DAP’s skepticism, labeling it as “misleading the public” and claimed that similar projects had faced delays when Pakatan Harapan (PH), to which DAP belongs, previously led the federal government.
Yii suggested that sustainable development means empowering citizens through substantial investments in roads, ports, and digital connectivity, rather than creating dependency on temporary support.
Furthermore, he highlighted the Sarawak government’s plans to support education by absorbing higher education fees for Sarawakian students starting in 2026—a policy he called “a step towards meaningful social support.”
Sarawak’s current wealth has gained national recognition, according to Hii, who noted a former Prime Minister’s remarks on the state’s potential to help others.
While he acknowledged Sarawak’s economic success, he emphasised that it should be the federal government responsibility to extend such assistance, not the state.
“Sarawak has sacrificed enough and has been ‘short-changed’ by the federal government in the past,” Hii commented, urging DAP to work cooperatively with the state to secure federal support rather than making “empty rhetoric.”
Reflecting on Sarawak’s journey, Hii expressed hope for unity among Sarawakians to enhance prosperity.
He stressed on the importance of collective efforts, reminding the public, “Prosperity takes time, like building a house brick by brick.”
As Sarawak builds for the future, Hii suggested that unity among all Sarawakians, including those aligned with DAP, is vital to achieving long-term success for the state.
