By Karen Bong and Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, April 10: Since assuming the role of Chief Minister in 2017, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has ushered in a new era for Sarawak.
He emphasised that it began with the digitalisation of Sarawak, followed by revenue reengineering strategies.
“I set up DBOS (Development Bank of Sarawak), Petros (Petroleum Sarawak Berhad), (embark on) hydrogen (production and economy) and other ventures.
“These initiatives have enabled Sarawak to attain RM13 billion in revenue in a matter of seven years,” he said when responding to a question if 2024 will mark a new era for Sarawak considering its shift and aggressive push for the green economy. He was speaking to reporters at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by him and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.
Abang Johari even took on the national oil and gas giant Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) in court over the imposition of State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products, a legal battle that Sarawak won. This victory has significantly bolstered Sarawak’s revenue in recent years.
Abang Johari suggested that Sarawak’s revenue performance for 2024 might surpass expectations.
“Maybe this year (2024), our revenue might be better,” he added.
He highlighted that the revenue has been invested in infrastructure development, such as the RM12 billion Sarawak coastal road project, for the betterment of the people.
“This include the Batang Lupar bridge which costs nearly RM1 billion. All of these are using our own money,” he emphasised.
On whether the Sarawak government intends to reclaim the funds from the federal government, Abang Johari instead hinted at the possibility of increasing the investments.
Abang Johari confirmed that during Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to the State, the federal government agreed to reimburse Sarawak for upfront payments for clinic and school construction projects.
“We want to ensure water supply across Sarawak. We want to provide for the people and it is the responsibility of the government to spend the money (on people’s needs) and our job to try and look for more money,” he added. — DayakDaily
