By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 30: Despite some quarters predicting an economic recession next year, Sarawak has an equilibrium mechanism in managing its resources to achieve a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of between 6 and 8 per cent by 2030.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is because as long as Sarawak has resources which it can add value into, the State can adjust its policy that will give a positive effect on its economy.
“That is why if oil palm price decreases, the price of goods will increase. If the price of timber products increases, we will benefit (from it) and other price of goods will drop.
“So we have that equilibrium mechanism based on our resources. That is why I dare say that out GDP growth (will be) between 6 and 8 per cent because of that mechanism of equilibrium in terms of managing our resources,” he said during the Sarawak Civil Service appreciation ceremony broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) on Facebook earlier tonight.
On that note, Abang Johari mentioned that there are a lot of work to be implemented within eight years.
These works revolve around the new policies related to green economy which include carbon capture, the setting up of Sarawak sovereign fund and talent development.
He further shared that earlier today, he had received a visit by Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) led by its chairman Tan Sri Mohd Effendi Norwawi and board member Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob.
“Firstly, they acknowledged our Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS), stating that it is very well structured and that should be the way.
“(Sulaiman) also said he hoped that the federal leaders will also do the same thing as what we are doing. These are not my words; they are Sulaiman’s.
“Additionally, he also said we have to have a special task force in order to implement PCDS because our (projected) GDP is between 6 and 8 per cent,” he added.
At the ceremony, former Sarawak Federal Secretary Dato Amir Omar was among the celebrated high-profile retirees.
Other notable retirees included former Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik; former permanent secretary of Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datu Safri Zainudin; former director of Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) Datu Zuraimi Sabki; former director of Department of Agriculture (DOA) Sarawak Dr Alvin Chai; Sri Aman resident Indit Bangai; Mukah resident Hamdiah Bakir; and Serian resident Tuah Suni.
Amongst those present were Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Jumaani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Datin Sri Enn Ong, Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai, as well as State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and wife Datin Sri Baduyah Bujang. — DayakDaily
