By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 22: Sarawak must become a first-class economy capable of competing globally instead of remaining a follower of more advanced economies, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He stressed that the State would continue investing in major infrastructure, including its Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, ports and international airport rather than cancel projects that could strengthen its competitiveness.
“Since our financial position is strong, we invest back, and we have to have first-class. Sarawak MUST be first-class, can compete with the world,” he said during his speech at Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers Night at a hotel here on Wednesday (Oct 21).
The Premier highlighted how Sarawak had laid the foundation for economic transformation over the past five years by strengthening its fiscal position, adopting new approaches to economic management and expanding its digital economy.
He argued that the State must now move beyond following established economic models and become a creator of technology to escape the middle-income trap.
“We cannot be second-fiddle. If you are second-fiddle, you cannot be in front. In other words, your economy will be trapped in the middle, unless we change and become creators of the economy,” he said.
He cited Malaysia’s changing economic position relative to Vietnam as a warning against failing to move up the economic value chain.
Abang Johari outlined Sarawak’s ambition to develop local talent capable of working at the forefront of technology, rather than being confined to assembly work, through investments in education and new skills.
“The next five years will be a transition period,” he said, describing the period as critical for Sarawak to become a technology creator and develop a higher-value economy.
He emphasised that the transformation would also benefit rural communities, making continued infrastructure development important to extending economic growth beyond urban centres.
He pointed to the growing economic importance of ASEAN and East Asia, including major economies such as China, Japan, South Korea and India, as an opportunity for Sarawak to strengthen its global competitiveness.
He called for new policy approaches over the next five years to achieve the State’s economic ambitions and secure better opportunities for future generations. — DayakDaily
