By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 12: Sarawak’s collection of RM19.55 billion in sales tax from petroleum products between 2019 and 2024 is a testament to the State’s bold financial strategies under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president I Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas underscored that Sarawak’s development programmes and policies are designed to benefit the people.
He expressed confidence that Sarawakians are proud of the State’s progress under Abang Johari’s leadership, despite the challenges faced when the latter took office.
“It was not easy when the Premier assumed leadership, especially in managing Sarawak’s budget. He has ambitious goals, and he is very creative in moving forward through the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said in an interview ahead of the 16th PBB Convention at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
Uggah, who is also Deputy Premier, credited Abang Johari for securing critical resources to fund Sarawak’s rapid development.
Reflecting on the fiscal policies introduced, he noted that the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem had previously reduced various taxes.
However, recognising the need for sustainable funding, Abang Johari pushed for legislation allowing Sarawak to collect a five per cent sales tax on petroleum products, which has since generated RM19.55 billion.
Yet, Uggah said the Premier foresees the necessity for additional financial resources to support Sarawak’s development agenda.
This led to the establishment of the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), a crucial vehicle for creative financial engineering aimed at financing key infrastructure projects.
“The Second Trunk Road and Coastal Road, along with 15 bridges, as well as essential infrastructure such as water and electricity supply, are funded through DBOS or alternative financing. Without these mechanisms, implementing all these projects simultaneously, in addition to other State and federal development initiatives, would have been impossible,” he explained.
Highlighting another milestone, Uggah pointed to the operationalisation of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund in 2024 with an initial capital injection of RM8 billion.
He described the initiative as the Premier’s strategic move to secure Sarawak’s long-term financial future.
“This fund is safeguarded for the next 20 years and cannot be withdrawn unless under exceptional circumstances, with approval from the Sarawak Council. There will be further capital top-ups this year. Initially, many were sceptical and dismissed it as mere rhetoric, but now, we see one milestone after another materialising,” he said.
As the PBB gears up for its 16th convention scheduled from Feb 14 to 16, Uggah emphasised that it will be a platform for political, economic, and developmental discourse.
Party members will have the opportunity to discuss policies, propose improvements, and raise concerns to ensure Sarawak remains resilient against future challenges.
“There will be a forum on Feb 14 specifically for the Youth and Women Wings, allowing them to voice their perspectives. Discussions will also cover government service efficiency, programme effectiveness, and whether assistance has reached its intended recipients,” he noted.
According to Uggah, many of the policies formulated by Abang Johari’s administration originated from ideas and resolutions generated at past conventions, reinforcing the significance of the upcoming discussions.
“This is not political rhetoric—it is reality. We have a dedicated management team overseeing our funds to ensure their sustainability. Our objective remains clear: to drive Sarawak forward for the benefit of its people,” he said. — DayakDaily
