By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 16:Sarawak is no longer working behind others, but today stands as a leader that charts its own direction, drives innovation and contributes meaningfully to Malaysia’s future.
Salihin founder and Group managing partner Dato Dr Salihin Abang said Sarawak’s 2026 Budget reflects bold, people-centred ambitions, particularly the RM250 million free tertiary education scheme that will transform access to higher education for thousands of families.
“Continued investment in hydrogen, digital infrastructure and rural connectivity will ensure that prosperity reaches every longhouse, every kampung and every Sarawakian.
“Quoting the Premier, the budget is anchored on accountability and a long-term vision to bring tangible change to the lives of the people,” he said when opening the 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Citing the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s July 2025 report, Salihin said Sarawak’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached RM148 billion in 2024, contributing about nine per cent to Malaysia’s overall GDP and underscoring the State’s strong and sustainable growth trajectory under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
On the second edition of the Sarawak Budget Conference, he said it builds on the strong foundation and encouraging response of its inaugural event last year, reflecting not only its continued relevance but also growing demand for structured and meaningful dialogue on fiscal policy and economic strategy.
“Last year showed there is a real appetite for serious conversations on budgets and development. Today, with our esteemed stakeholders, we take that dialogue further,” he said, welcoming Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof and Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, who were present at the conference.
Salihin also expressed appreciation to Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg for his continued guidance, noting that although the Premier was unable to attend today due to other commitments, he is expected to join the conference tomorrow for a highly anticipated session.
With only days remaining before 2026, Salihin said the conference examines two pivotal budgets, the Malaysia Madani Budget 2026 tabled on Oct 10 and the Sarawak Budget 2026 unveiled on Oct 24, describing them as policy blueprints that shape economic resilience, social protection and sustainable development at both national and State levels.
He noted that the Madani Budget 2026, with an allocation of about RM421.2 billion, prioritises cost-of-living pressures, healthcare, education and digital transformation, while the introduction of a carbon tax signals Malaysia’s serious commitment towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with Sarawak’s green agenda.
Over the two-day conference, policymakers, State strategists and industry practitioners will unpack both budgets and translate fiscal strategies into action, he said, adding that tomorrow’s session will also see the launch of a new publication titled Doing Business in Sarawak: Sarawak Unlocked, a Business Blueprint for the Next Frontier.
“My hope is that this conference grows into a lasting institution, a platform where ideas become action and collaboration shapes our future,” Salihin said, calling on participants to work together to build a stronger, more inclusive and more prosperous Sarawak in the decade ahead. — DayakDaily
