2020 State Budget
KUCHING: Political analyst Datuk Peter Minos has praised the 2020 State Budget as “a very well-thought and well-planned budget.”
“Those who prepared the budget know the global, national and Sarawak macro-economics well.
“They know economics therefore they are realistic with the proposals in the budget. Congratulations to them,” he added.
“Out of RM9.891 billion, 67 per cent or RM6.597 billion will be used for development and 33 per cent will be used only for operating expenditures.
“From the RM6.597 billion for development, RM4.141 billion will be for rural betterment and improvement. Good thinking and a good budgetary decision. They are very proficient at putting together Sarawak’s budget,” he said.
Minos pointed out that the State budget would see a nice surplus of RM373 million, as total revenue was expected to be RM10.067 billion and expenditures RM9.694 billion.
“Our Sarawak budget is much better than Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government’s recent budget, which has no surplus and operating expenditures exceed 70 per cent of revenues and development expenditures less than 30 per cent.
“Congratulations to the Sarawak budget team. They are indeed smart!” he added.
The State budget, Minos explained, had also highlighted several key points.
He agreed a lot had to be done to upgrade basic utilities and facilities like treated water, electricity and roads in the rural areas of the State.
He added that it was wise of Sarawak to focus on two key industries, namely agriculture and tourism.
“We must always think of using our ample land for agriculture not just to improve the incomes of our rural people but also for exports and thus, Sarawak revenue.
“As for tourism, this is one rising industry which Sarawak does well to focus on. Tourism brings jobs, incomes and wealth as in Singapore and Bali. It is a truly big and lucrative cash-cow industry.
“We will never go wrong in using our natural wealth and things, cultures, traditions and many other things for maximum benefits from tourism.
“I predict that, given more direct access to big cities like Jakarta, Manila, Shanghai and Beijing, Perth and Melbourne, even Bangkok and Saigon, tourism will become a big hit for Sarawak,” he remarked.
On digital economy, Minos said, “Yes, it is the in-thing now. It is a way to achieve other things including riches, as proven by Alibaba and Amazon.
“China is heavy on digital economy and the Internet and has progressed very far in less than 30 years since 1985. Let’s emulate it,” he said.
Minos added by Dec 31, if Petronas did not pay up the sales tax to Sarawak on petroleum products like Shell and Murphy oil, the State had no choice but to sue.
“Yes, let the courts decide. Petronas cannot play around and play the fool with Sarawak. It is tax on our own oil and gas, Petronas must not forget that. The budget highlighted this issue,” he said.
