By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 24: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg asserted that Sarawak is not merely a recipient of federal allocations but a major contributor to the nation’s wealth, especially through oil and gas revenues, and therefore deserves a more equitable alignment between its contributions and the scale of federal investment required to unlock the state’s full development potential.
While expressing gratitude for the RM6 billion allocation to Sarawak under Malaysia Budget 2026, an incremental rise from RM5.9 billion last year, Abang Johari said the amount remains insufficient to address the State’s vast development needs.
“Given our vast geography and unique infrastructural challenges, this allocation, while welcomed, is not sufficient to fully bridge the gap between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,” he said when tabling the Sarawak Budget 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.
He stressed that Sarawak continues to play a critical role in sustaining the national economy, particularly through petroleum resources, and that future federal budgets must better reflect this contribution.
Abang Johari also reminded Sarawakians that the path to a stronger, more resilient State will be demanding, with pressures that may test unity, but affirmed that collective commitment will keep Sarawak on course.
“The Sarawak Budget 2026 is not merely a compilation of figures but a manifestation of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s political commitment to driving equitable and high-quality prosperity across the State.
“Every ringgit reflects strategic decision-making, people-centred priorities, and the ambition to ensure Sarawak remains competitive regionally and globally,” he emphasised.
The Premier highlighted the State’s strong fiscal performance, noting that Sarawak’s revenue has expanded 2.4 times from RM5.9 billion in 2016 to RM14.2 billion in 2024, driven by reforms that introduced new revenue streams such as the State Sales Tax on petroleum products, aluminium, timber, ferro-alloy, and polysilicon, as well as the State Dividend policy.
“On the expenditure side, more than RM10 billion has been allocated annually since 2018 for both operating and development purposes towards fulfilling our commitment to the people,” he said.
He urged all lawmakers to support the Sarawak Budget 2026 in the interest of future generations, stressing that unity in the House is vital for advancing the State’s long-term goals.
Abang Johari concluded by expressing appreciation to Cabinet members, controlling officers, ministries, departments, and civil servants whose dedication and professionalism shaped the budget, describing their contribution as the backbone of an inclusive, prudent, and resilient planning process for the people of Sarawak. — DayakDaily
