By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 13: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg joked about his nearly four-hour Budget 2027 presentation, saying the State’s growing revenue gave him more to talk about in outlining Sarawak’s development plans.
Speaking at the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) Golden Jubilee Dinner last night (Oct 12), he recalled how Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas had remarked on the length of his Budget presentation, before Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom also commented on it.
“If there’s no money, how can I speak for three hours? What would I talk about, right? If you cannot deliver, you don’t talk,” he quipped.
Abang Johari tabled the Supply Bill (2027) 2026, or Sarawak Budget 2027, at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) on Oct 12, from 9.19am to 1.03pm — a presentation lasting three hours and 44 minutes.
He went on to highlight development initiatives, including the Baram roads, Sarawak Trunk Road and paddy cultivation, linking the State’s ability to undertake such projects to its stronger revenue position.
“Thank God, our revenue has increased. If revenue goes up, then I can talk more,” he said.
Under Sarawak Budget 2027, the State’s revenue is projected to reach RM15.091 billion in 2027, an increase of RM2.042 billion, or 16 per cent, over the original 2026 estimate of RM13.049 billion. The State is projecting a budget surplus of RM246 million.
Earlier, Rundi praised the Premier for delivering the Budget speech without a break, describing it as “very amazing” before jokingly advising him not to stand for too long.
“Sir, I must say it here, you have given a very amazing budget speech this morning. He was standing for almost four hours without a break. Amazing!
“But as a medical doctor, I would advise you not to stand for too long, Sir. Next time, we can take a break,” he said. — DayakDaily
