Embrace change to digital economy, youths urged

KUCHING: Young Sarawakians should heed the appeal of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to embrace change in line with the state advancing towards the digital economy.

Assistant Minister for Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapa’ee said the official address by Taib at the opening ceremony of the State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) sitting yesterday stressed on the need for change, particularly in the economy.

“He ( Taib) stressed that it is now time for young Sarawakians to engage in e- commerce, especially when the state government has allocated so much funds to pave the way for the development of the digital economy.

“The young people are more versed in information technology (IT) so I hope youths in Sarawak will grasp the gist of our Head of State’s speech for the good and the future of Sarawak,” he said when asked for comments on the opening speech after the ceremony.

Earlier, Dr Annuar, who is also Assistant Minister for Housing and Public Health, said he regarded his recent appointments in the state cabinet as a challenge.

He termed the two ministries as ‘very important’ as both were related to shaping the future of Sarawak.

“Our future lies with the education of our children. This is a reason we see such a portfolio (education) for the first time in the state cabinet,” he said.

“As for housing, it plays a major role in providing shelter to our people. I see my recent appointments as a challenge, and I will work with the (respective) ministers to deliver the aspiration of the state government to enhance education in Sarawak and provide more affordable homes for Sarawakians.”

Dr Annuar said he was equally responsible for looking after the health of Sarawakians.

Following the recent state cabinet reshuffle, Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong is Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research while Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian takes charge of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.