KUCHING, Sept 22: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will soon unveil a “new model” for Sarawak to generate revenue for development purposes, including for mega projects such as the proposed coastal road and also water and electricity supplies to the rural areas.
“The state government will be spending a lot of money in the next few years. However, we have a new model to generate more funds for these projects.
“Because we already have our own bank (Development Bank of Sarawak), we can implement this new model that would have a very different approach to move our economy,” he said at the Association of Malay Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles Malaysia (Pekema) Sarawak’s 30th anniversary dinner here on Friday.
The new model, he added, would be announced during the tabling of the State Budget this coming November.
Sarawak has been trying to reclaim its oil and gas rights in order to sustain its coffers, but it hit a snag after the Barisan Nasional (BN) fell in the 14th general election on May 9.
Abang Johari told those present that the state was not short on expertise to move its economy, so he wanted Sarawakians to develop the state.
“Hopefully, this new model approach would be able to develop our economy to greater heights through strategic public expenditure,” he said.
On top of that, with MPs and assemblymen receiving their annual allocations such as for rural transformation project (RTP), this would also be able to move businesses and economic activities across the state, he pointed out.
Abang Johari added that with businesses and economic activities booming, there would be more growth opportunities for small-medium enterprises (SMEs) while bigger companies and corporations could benefit from mega constructions and infrastructure development projects.
However, Abang Johari said the only setback that might hinder this would be the capacity of the state in terms of implementation.
“Let me be honest. What we are worried about now is the capacity to implement all these projects. If we have the right people that are ready (to implement the projects) and participate within their means, I think our economy can move forward,” he said. — DayakDaily
