BINTULU: Sarawak’s financial management is prudent, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the Sarawak government adopts a systematic approach in managing the state’s finances.
With increased revenue, he emphasised the need for state expenditures to focus on more strategic matters.
“We must save money for the future. Avoid extravagance. Spend on strategic matters and save the rest.
“We have RM400 million to 600 million allocated to a sovereign fund for the future. So our financial management is prudent. We do not overspend.
“We follow the Chinese philosophy. Often people ask the Chinese if they make a profit. They will say no, just enough to eat,” he said during the Chinese New Year Open House event hosted by Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Bintulu today (Feb 15).
Abang Johari also highlighted Sarawak’s success in managing income and development initiatives, noting that it has garnered attention internationally.
He shared that Sarawak is the first to receive a visit from delegates of the European Union (EU) in the Asian region to witness state’s economic development.
“Last night, I met with 19 ambassadors from the EU and corporate leaders from EU countries. It’s the first time they’ve come together as a group to observe economic development in the Asian region.
“This signifies that the world now knows where Sarawak stands. Because our economy is a new economy.
“The delegates from various EU countries, including France, Belgium, Sweden, and Germany, are now in Kuching to learn about Sarawak’s economic policies,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment to Sarawak’s development, Abang Johari attributed Sarawak’s strength in Malaysia to its policies and the stable political climate.
He emphasised that with stable political conditions, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government can focus on its role in developing Sarawak.
“Even people from the peninsula see Sarawak as a strong state in Malaysia. This is due to our policies, which are self-development-oriented, and the social inclusivity we promote in Sarawak.
“Regardless of our ethnic or religious differences, we work together to build Sarawak as a modern state in Malaysia,” he asserted.
