By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 20: Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has hit back at sceptics branding Budget 2027 an “Election Budget”, stressing that political rhetoric and election-season promises mean little without concrete action to build roads, educate children, support families and restore hope to communities.
“Some may choose to make promises when an election approaches. But promises alone do not build a road, educate a child, support a family or restore hope to a community,” she said during her ministerial winding-up at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) sitting today.
Fatimah said what ultimately mattered was the work done, policies implemented and lives improved, emphasising that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s commitment to the people extended beyond political slogans and electoral cycles.
She said the principles of “Utamakan Sarawak” and “Sarawak Maju Makmur” had consistently guided the government’s policies and priorities, particularly in improving the well-being, livelihoods and future of Sarawakians.
“If putting our people first is merely an election slogan, then why have we continued to prioritise their well-being, livelihoods, families and future year after year?” she asked.
She said the government’s continued efforts to develop rural communities, empower women and children, strengthen families, uplift vulnerable groups and narrow the rural-urban divide reflected a sustained commitment that went beyond political campaigns and headlines.
“The people are our witness. The years are our record. And the work we continue to do is our answer.
“For us, the principle is simple: less talk about what we intend to do, and more determination to do what needs to be done,” she said.
Fatimah attributed Sarawak’s progress to the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, saying the State had strengthened its financial position through the re-engineering of its revenue sources.
This, she said, had enhanced Sarawak’s capacity to invest in development, infrastructure, human capital and the well-being of its people.
“This is not simply about increasing revenue. It is about increasing Sarawak’s ability to decide, to plan and to act in the best interests of Sarawakians,” she added.
Fatimah stressed that development should not be measured by physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and buildings alone, but also by the opportunities created, families supported, children and women empowered, persons with disabilities (OKUs) supported, dignity restored and communities uplifted.
She said Sarawak’s development approach must remain holistic, focusing not only on physical progress but also on human potential, economic growth and social well-being, while preparing children and future generations for the challenges ahead.
She also underscored the importance of communicating the Premier’s vision and policy initiatives in language that ordinary people could understand, enabling them to appreciate their purpose, value and benefits.
“When the people understand the direction, they are more prepared to support it. And when the whole administrative machinery understands the vision, it can work together to implement new ideas effectively,” she said.
Reaffirming her ministry’s commitment, Fatimah said its priorities remained empowering children, OKUs and disadvantaged groups, advancing women and families, and strengthening inclusive social support for communities throughout Sarawak.
She said the ministry would continue working to give every child the best possible start in life, enable women and families to thrive, and ensure vulnerable groups were not left behind.
Fatimah added that the ministry’s achievements should ultimately be measured not by the number of programmes implemented or assistance provided, but by the meaningful and lasting improvements they brought to people’s lives. — DayakDaily
