Sarawak’s Revenue Expected to Surpass Last Year’s Figures
State Government to Continue Improving Infrastructure and Implementing Beneficial Programmes
Kuching: Sarawak’s revenue for this year is expected to surpass last year’s figures, enabling the state government to continue improving infrastructure and implementing beneficial programmes for its people.
Without specifying the exact revenue projection, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state had been recognised by the World Bank and the Auditor-General for its sound financial management.
Sound Financial Management Recognised by World Bank and Auditor-General
“We have a certificate… a clean certificate in managing our finances. So, I think our revenue this year may increase further,” he said during his winding-up speech at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) General Assembly here today.
Revenue Projection Based on Last Year’s Figures
Last year, Sarawak recorded revenue of RM14.2 billion, its highest to date.
Increased Revenue to Be Used for Infrastructure and Healthcare
Abang Johari, who is also PBB president, said the increased revenue would be used, among others, to build more new infrastructure in Sarawak and improve healthcare facilities, which would not only benefit the people but also serve as a source of income generation.
“Medical tourists—people coming to our state for treatment—have increased. More hospitals will be developed through private-sector investments. This is a sign that investors see Sarawak’s potential to become a healthcare hub,” he said.
Sarawak to Assert Rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)
Meanwhile, Abang Johari reiterated that Sarawak would continue to assert its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) within the framework of existing laws, particularly the Federal Constitution, while taking into account both national and state interests.
He noted that PBB members now had a stronger understanding of Sarawak’s rights within the federation based on MA63, making them more vocal in expressing their aspirations.
“We do not want conflict. We simply follow what is stated in the law,” he said, referring to Sarawak’s rights in managing its gas resources and continental shelf.
PBB Election Results and Party Efforts
On the party’s election results announced yesterday, he assured that candidates who were not elected to PBB’s Supreme Council would still be involved in the party’s ongoing efforts.
“The fact that there are winners and losers means democracy is functioning in PBB. But we are all together in this struggle, including those who lost—they will have roles and responsibilities to contribute to the party,” he added.
Conclusion
Sarawak’s revenue is expected to surpass last year’s figures, enabling the state government to continue improving infrastructure and implementing beneficial programmes for its people. The state has been recognised for its sound financial management, and the increased revenue will be used to build more new infrastructure and improve healthcare facilities.
FAQs
- What is the expected revenue projection for this year?
No exact revenue projection was specified. - What is the purpose of the increased revenue?
The increased revenue will be used to build more new infrastructure and improve healthcare facilities, which will benefit the people and generate income. - What is the state’s stance on asserting its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)?
Sarawak will continue to assert its rights under MA63 within the framework of existing laws, taking into account both national and state interests. - What is the party’s stance on the election results?
The party is committed to democracy and ensuring that all members have roles and responsibilities to contribute to the party’s efforts, regardless of whether they were elected to the Supreme Council or not.