KUCHING: The public are excited about the 12 new state policies that will become effective next year.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed the 12 new policies when tabling the 2020 State Budget in Sarawak Legislative Assembly in November this year.
In a random interview carried out by New Sarawak Tribune, student Syafiq Firdaus Rizal, 23, hopes the new policies will be implemented with honesty and integrity.
He also wants the state leaders to pay attention to the rural areas.
“Roads and electricity are important for the rural people,” he says.
Syafiq adds that the state government has done a great job by putting Sarawakians first when drawing up the policies.
He urges the state leaders to do more and to keep on fighting for the rights of Sarawak. “Please take good care of the state, the people and the development,” he says.
Corrin Alicia Nero, 23, also a student, is looking forward to the RM5 water subsidy and free electricity in the rural areas.
“There are still many rural areas without water and electricity,” she says.
Corrin also hopes the state government will focus more on the long term benefits, instead of short term benefits.
“The RM450 for post-natal mothers is definitely a good initiative from the state government as the cost of living now is high and supporting a child can be a financial burden.
“Although it is on a one-off basis, it can definitely help those in need,” she says.
Corrin also hopes the state government will provide more jobs for university graduates as a long term benefit.
Another student Sandra Sinom Anggat, 23, is pleased with the launch of the digital e-wallet application, Sarawak Pay, by the state government this year.
“I look forward to more digital advances in the state and hope that the new policies will benefit the people of Sarawak.”
Sinom points out although they can ease the financial burden of the people, some of new policies only bring short term benefits.
“I hope to see Sarawak to be more developed upon entering 2020. The government must focus on the rural areas as they are still far behind in terms of development,” she adds.
Leandro Mcrae, 23, a supervisor in a cleaning service company, says, “I have high hopes for next year’s policies.
“I also hope that the state will look into other financial aid for university students besides the financial aid for PTPTN borrowers.”
Karen Johit, 36, an operational manager of a property company, hopes the state government will provide long term benefits instead of short term benefits to the people of Sarawak.
“Yes, the benefits are good but the government must remember not to spoon-feed the people too much so that they will not be overly dependent on it,” she says.
Anthony Albon, a property officer at a property company, hopes the state government and state leaders will not mix politics with the people’s necessities.
“I hope the new policies will improve the quality of life and standard of living in the state,” he adds.
Suria Ibrahim, 41, a volunteer with a non-governmental organisation, hopes the state government will be more aggressive in providing basic amenities to the rural areas.
“Then, hopefully the living standards of Sarawakians will improve and the state becomes more technologically advanced.
“However, some of the policies next year are short term solutions for the economy challenges we are facing now,” she points out.
Suria also hopes that more policies will focus on long term solutions for Sarawakians.
Hamidah Pauzi, 31, an event executive, thanks the state government for the new policies next year.
“I wish to see more development for Sarawak and thank the state government for providing the financial aid,” she adds.
Farah Hanan Tipol, 30, a civil engineer, is also looking forward to the next year’s new policies.
“It will be another year full of challenges, but with strong determination and resilience, I believe everyone can make it,” she says.
