KUCHING: Sarawak has greater potential than most states in terms of generating more revenue, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“You still have your oil and gas, so the potential is great. Therefore, Sarawak’s ability to move forward quickly is very substantial compared to some other states and perhaps even compared to Putrajaya in terms of the rapid rate of growth which can be implemented in the next 10 years,” he said.
The prime minister said this at a Majlis Perjumpaan Khas with federal and state civil servants in Sarawak at Waterfront Hotel here today.
He said he was impressed by what was put forward during an earlier briefing on the direction of Sarawak’s development, adding that it was aligned with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
“The way forward for Sarawak is indeed very promising. I assure you that we will give you the fullest support to realise your vision – to make Sarawak the most developed state in Malaysia.
“Sarawak is a very rich state – rich in resources. I would say you have all the things needed to put Sarawak on the global level so that the nation can benefit from the development efforts that have been and will definitely come from Sarawak,” he said.
Noting the various key sectors which would be emphasised in Sarawak’s 10-year plan, Muhyiddin expressed his full support for the state’s focus on infrastructure.
“Certainly, one aspect is physical infrastructure – the Pan Borneo Highway, major roads, and also village roads which need to be improved as mentioned in the plan just now,” he said.
Citing China as an example, he said in its effort to overcome poverty, it had helped its people elevate their incomes while also emphasising the construction of major infrastructures.
“The rural areas can be seen just on the side of the highway. Because of these infrastructure facilities, it opens up opportunities to market their products and generate more income,” he said, adding that China had thus managed to eradicate extreme poverty in under 10 years.
He said Malaysia was also concerned about the standard of living of its people. He said the number of people who had fallen into the vicious cycle of poverty had increased.
“We are now undertaking another exercise to see exactly what the number is, where the people are, and what is needed to ensure that they will be assisted in whatever possible manner,” he said.
Muhyiddin said one area which he believed could be an important enabler was the development of physical and digital infrastructure.
He pointed out that agriculture was important for ensuring food security not only for Sarawak but the nation and the global community as a whole.
“Sarawak is very much involved in this area, which I believe has great potential for future development,” said Muhyiddin.
At the same time, he emphasised the commitment of the federal government to work alongside Sarawak to ensure that the national and state aspirations could be achieved in the same period leading up to 2030.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg; Deputy Chief Ministers Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali; State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion; state Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries.
