Just what Sarawak needs
TYT: GPS acts as solid platform to claim Sarawak’s rights from federal government
I therefore urge the federal government to give their sincere cooperation to the state (Sarawak) government to achieve this goal. Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak
KUCHING: The formation of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) by leaders in the Sarawak government is in line with the aspirations of the people of Sarawak.
In stating this, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the newly-formed coalition would provide a solid foundation for the Sarawak government to champion the rights and autonomy of Sarawak.
“I believe that GPS can become a strong and solid political coalition that can unite the people for the well- being and progress of Sarawak,” he said in his address at the opening of the 18th State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) sitting at DUN Complex here yesterday.
The Head of State also expressed his confidence that GPS would serve as an important platform to claim Sarawak’s r i g ht s f rom the federa l government in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 ( MA63) and the Federal Constitution. “I therefore urge the federal government to give their sincere cooperation to the state government to achieve this goal.”
Taib was also optimistic that the Sarawak government would be able to manage its natural resources well, particularly oil and gas, to ensure that Sarawakians could benefit from them.
“I am pleased that the ef forts towards managing these resources effectively and sustainably have been implemented.
“I believe that enforcement of laws such as the Oil Mining Ordinance 19 5 8 and Gas Distribution Ordinance 2016 will ensure that Sarawak’s valuable oil and gas resources are well established for the future of the people of Sarawak.”
In this regard, he said the establishment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad ( Petros) is in line with the government’s efforts to manage the development of the oil and gas industry in Sarawak.
“This is in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to become the region’s leading oil and gas industry hub and collaborate with Petronas for the interest of the country, in particular Sarawak.
“Therefore, I call for the rights of Sarawak borders, especially the maritime borders, to be maintained and safeguarded. This is crucial so as to ensure that valuable natural resources such as oil and gas in Sarawak waters could be developed and managed for the benefit and prosperity of the state,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Taib took the opportunity to congratulate Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the latter’s appointment as the seventh prime minister of Malaysia.
“I am confident that with his vast experience in economy, politics and social, Malaysia will continue to progress and prosper towards Vision 2020,” he said, expressing optimism that under Dr Mahathir’s leadership, the federa l g overnment would continue to implement programmes and projects in Sarawak for the well-being of the people.
He also congratulated Pakatan Harapan ( PH) for winning the 14th general election and forming the new federal government.
Taib hoped that with the mandate given by the people to the PH-led federal government, the country and its citizens would continue to receive benefits in terms of development and prosperity.
KUCHING: Sarawak continues to show positive economic growth despite the uncertain world economic environment.
According to Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Sarawak’s economic growth rate rose from 2.3 per cent in 2016 to 4.7 per cent in 2017.
“Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita increased from RM44,000 in 2016 to RM46,000 in 2017. Export value also increased from RM77 billion in 2016 to RM96 billion in 2017.
“The rate of poverty was reduced from 0.9 per cent in 2014 to 0.6 per cent in 2016 while unemployment rate was sustained at a low level, less than 4.0 per cent.”
Sarawak’s economic development, he added, is supported by strong economic fundamentals, good governance and sound financial management by the state government.
He said this in his address at the opening of the State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) sitting yesterday.
Taib also pointed out that the state continued to receive good credit ratings by international credit rating agencies.
“Standard and Poor’s rated A minus with a stable outlook for the State of Sarawak while Moody’s Investors Service has also rated A3 stable prospects to the State of Sarawak. I am pleased that investors’ confidence in the State of Sarawak continues to increase with this achievement,” said Taib.
On another mater, Taib expressed his confidence with the Socio-Economic Transformation
The rate of poverty was reduced from 0.9 per cent in 2014 to 0.6 per cent in 2016 while unemployment rate was sustained at a low level, less than 4.0 per cent. Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Head of State
Plan ( SETP), the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and the Digital Economy Plan.
“I am pleased with the state’s holistic development plan, and I believe the plans are peoplecentric to raise the socioeconomic status of the people and encourage investments in the State of Sarawak.”
Applauding the state’s Digital Economic Plan to promote digital technology applications in all aspects of economic development, Taib said Sarawak cannot afford to miss the digital aspect because the technology changes are very fast and affect everyday life, work, business and entertainment.
“I believe the establishment of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority ( SMA) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation ( S-DEC) will ensure that digital economy initiatives can be successfully implemented for Sarawak’s progress.” he added.
On SCORE, Taib said it has achieved success in its first phase of development at the Samalaju Industrial Park.
“Efforts should also be made to bring investments to other industrial areas throughout the state. This is important to generate many business opportunities and jobs for the people,” he said.