Focus on long-term devt

Sarawak needs GDP growth of 6-8 pct to achieve developed state status by 2030 – Premier

That is why Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is stressing on long-term development by adding value to the resources already available in the state.

— Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Premier of Sarawak

KUCHING: Sarawak needs gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at six to eight per cent to achieve developed state status by 2030, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said that with investments exceeding RM60 billion being injected into our economy, he was confident that Sarawakian children would later be able to have the expertise and skills to bring about more prosperity to the state.

He said this when launching the state-level National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2022 celebration at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex yesterday.

He said it was the state government’s intention to strengthen the state and country in general, by stepping up development in urban and rural areas in tandem with the changing time.

“That is why Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is stressing on long-term development by adding value to the resources already available in Sarawak.

“We also create a direction so Sarawak will be able to become a high-income state. This is our wish. Like what I told the prime minister, if Sarawak is developed, Malaysia will be developed too,” he said.

With Sarawak’s political stability, Abang Johari said he was confident the existing leadership would be able to focus on ways to develop the state by digital approach and also with those that would bring good returns to the state and country.

“We must walk together in the spirit of a single Malaysian team to achieve success,” he said.

Abang Johari also thanked the federal government for amending the Constitution and taking into account the Malaysia Agreement 1963, in addition to acknowledging the InterGovernmental Committee (IGC) report.

“Last year, the government amended the Constitution to reflect a few factors that are the bases of Malaysia’s existence.

“This is the legal framework that must be respected in developing a Keluarga Malaysia, which is always peaceful and harmonious,” he said, while hoping that Sarawakians would too play their roles in celebrating the National Month.

Abang Johari later flagged off the Kembara Merdeka Keluarga Malaysia (KMKM) convoy, which is heading to 33 districts throughout Sarawak before ending the journey in Betong on Aug 31 for the state-level National Month celebration.

Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah were among those present.