By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 4: Sarawak is not rich yet, but it is digging deep into its own pockets to invest heavily in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare as it strives to shake off the image of being Malaysia’s “last” state and reposition itself as a dynamic regional hub, far removed from its past as “kampung”.
Deputy Premier and Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the Sarawak’s significant spending reflects an unwavering commitment to building a better future, with allocations such as RM11 billion for the Coastal and Second Trunk roads and 16 bridges, the Sarawak Basic Needs Aid (SKAS), RM1,200 in annual assistance for university-bound students, RM500 in healthcare aid, and RM40,000 per student to provide free tertiary education beginning in 2026.
He pointed out that Sarawak’s expenditure this year alone stands at RM15.8 billion—equivalent to 15 years of Penang’s or five years of Selangor’s annual budgets—because of the urgent need to ‘cash out’ for development and to break away from being the ‘last’ state.
“Even though our IC code is ‘13’, we don’t want to be the last anymore. We want to be as good as anywhere else in Malaysia. ‘K’ in our IC doesn’t mean kaya (rich), it means king—respect. Ten years ago, people looked down on us. But in 2025, people are looking up to Sarawak. That means we are doing something right.
“Let’s not say we are rich. If we were rich, every Sarawakian would already be receiving SKAS. But now, only one in three gets it. Why? Because we are not there yet. But we are trying. It’s a start,” he said when addressing the SUPP flag-raising ceremony in conjunction with the party’s 66th anniversary at its headquarters here today.
Dr Sim underscored that much of Sarawak’s infrastructure spending is being borne by the State government, despite these being federal responsibilities.
“Roads and bridges are supposed to be the federal government’s responsibility — they collect the road tax. But we are building it ourselves.
“Furthermore, we need RM17 billion just to fix our healthcare system, where 70 per cent of hospitals and clinics are in a dilapidated state. Compare that to Peninsular Malaysia — their healthcare facilities are far better. The same goes for schools — RM5 billion needed,” he said.
On education, he emphasised Sarawak government’s commitment to grooming future talents for nation-building.
“This year, we are giving RM1,200 to students entering universities. Next year, our Sarawak-owned universities will offer over 60 courses for free, costing the government RM40,000 per student. Why? Because we want to invest in our own talents crucial for nation building,” he explained.
As such, Dr Sim pointed out that the push for greater education and healthcare autonomy from the federal government is necessary to better take care of Sarawak’s needs and interests.
Dr Sim stressed that Sarawak’s rapid development has only been possible because of people’s unity and political stability under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, whose long-term vision includes financial and political independence.
“Since GPS was formed, Sarawak has advanced significantly. But the journey is far from over. We must remain vigilant against ‘anai-anai’ (termites) from within and outside,” he warned.
He emphasised that Sarawak is not heading towards being just another State in Malaysia, but towards becoming a regional hub in Southeast Asia — not only in energy but in tourism, commerce, finance, logistics, education and so on.
“Sarawak in 2025 is vastly different from 2015, and by 2030 it will be unrecognisable again. But to sustain this, we need more Sarawakians to step up. Talent is now our most vital asset.
“Our Premier is not just building roads and airports. He’s building the future — one that positions Sarawak as a regional powerhouse. But this vision will only become reality if we stay united. No division. No polarisation. We cannot afford to fall into political traps,” he reminded.
Dr Sim reiterated the importance of political stability and unity within GPS and the people’s continued support to fulfil Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and beyond.
“We are no longer just a kampung. Our progress is thanks to unity. If we stay on track, no one can stop Sarawak from being prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable unless we divide ourselves.” — DayakDaily
