KUCHING: The Sarawak government, while negotiating for the return of more of its powers under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, will continue to find ways to improve its economy for the benefit of its people.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said the state under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg knew how to find the extra revenue for the state.
“Our leaders know that we cannot go on a confrontational approach with Malaya, instead we should hold talks to get back what is due to us lawfully.
“At the same time, our Premier is very smart, he knows how to look for money. And if we have money, our population will be well-off and live comfortably.
“Plus, if we have money, we have political strength. Our negotiation powers will also improve,” he said at the Health Talk and Screening programme at the Indoor Basketball Court, Taman Flora Indah, Jalan Arang yesterday (May 16).
Citing an example, he said, under Abang Johari, the Bakun hydroelectric dam was now under the full control of the state government and had helped the state to generate some income.
“And now Sarawak Energy is teaming up with Indonesia to help them build more dams.
“Just like Singapore, they have fewer trees, do not have oil and gas, but they sell their knowledge, so Sarawak is doing the same; we are selling our knowledge and our expertise to Indonesia to help them build dams,” he said.
He added that part of Sarawak’s revenue also came from selling electricity to Indonesia.
“In addition, we will produce hydrogen and methanol in the near future.
“On hydrogen alone, Sarawak is working with Korea to produce the gas and furthermore it can be compressed into liquid which can then be exported to Korea, Japan, China and other parts of the world.
“We can make money. And this is what our Premier is doing. That is the brilliant part about our Premier.
“So, when Sarawak is rich, we are all comfortable,” said Lo.
