KUCHING: The use of electronic communication to facilitate the Sarawak government’s activities is crucial for an efficient governance of the state.
Wilson Nyabong Ijang (GPS-Pelagus) who spoke in support of the proposed Electronic Sarawak Government Activities Bill 2022 described the introduction of the Bill as very important and timely.
“With digital economy (DE), it is expected to contribute 25 percent to the Sarawak’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025 and it’s about time we have our own Electronic Sarawak Government Activities Bill 2022 to facilitate smooth governance of our Sarawak government.
“Our holistic effort towards creating readiness are evident in on-going awareness programmes under digital village and digital inclusivity which targets the rural area, small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“It is about time we move forward and fully utilise the importance of technology in the administration and activities of our Sarawak government,” he said during the tabling of the Bill today.
Wilson added that this collaboration will be joining hands with other ministries such as Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Research to build the human capacity in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) among the future generation.
On a similar note, Sarawak is setting aside a huge budget to upgrade its digital infrastructure to enable fast and efficient services be available in all parts of the state.
“In the latest development, Sarawak is setting aside a huge budget to upgrade its digital infrastructure to enable fast and efficient services in all parts of Sarawak,” he added.
Despite Sarawak’s topography and population remaining a challenge to internet connectivity, Wilson said it is a problem being addressed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg through his efforts to implement and improve rural infrastructure.
This includes the RM1 billion that has been allotted to building digital infrastructure, the laying out of the digital economy strategy and the creation of the regulatory body called the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) among others.
Wilson further said that electronic payments for greater economic efficiency is one of the nine focus areas under the Malaysian blueprint to drive Sarawak’s transition towards a higher income economy.
“Electronic payments with adequate safeguards preserve the stability towards achieving the developed Sarawak vision 2030, as often said by our Premier.
“Our political stability and our efforts in earnest towards good governance, our abundant resources and vast renewable energy potential and our strategic location in the centre of Asia, is a strong point that we must capitalise on to transform the economy and upgrade the quality of life and the living standard of our people in Sarawak,” he said.
