SIBU: Sarawak’s achievement in constructing 10 bridges worth RM11 billion without incurring debt reflects the state government’s sound financial management and political stability, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said contrary to public speculation, the massive infrastructure projects were not financed through external loans, but through prudent fiscal planning and an innovative financing strategy introduced in 2019.
“There are claims by certain quarters that these projects involve debt, but the truth is we have managed Sarawak’s finances prudently and effectively without resorting to external borrowing or relying on others,” Dr Sim said.
He made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for the committee members of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong and Sibu Jaya branches held at a local restaurant here, last night (Mar 9).
Dr Sim, who is the SUPP president, said the bridge projects reflect the state’s financial independence and are part of broader efforts to enhance Sarawak’s transportation network.
“Our ability to implement major infrastructure projects without federal funding is a result of the alternative financing model we adopted in 2019.
“This approach has strengthened public confidence in Sarawak’s capacity to chart its own development path,” he said.
He attributed Sarawak’s progress to political stability and unity among its people, which he said have been nurtured over the years.
“The state government now has the capability to carry out large-scale development projects independently, without waiting for financial assistance from external parties. This is why Sarawak continues to move forward.”
Dr Sim highlighted the recently opened Muara Lassa Bridge as one of the state’s most significant achievements. The 2.43-km bridge, complemented by a 5.7-km access road, connects remote riverine communities and symbolizes Sarawak’s development strides.
“In the past, we could only watch others develop. Today, we’ve made that same progress a reality.”
He said Sarawak is entering a new era of rapid development, supported by diversified revenue streams that provide sufficient funding for future initiatives.
“With our increasing revenue sources, we are confident that Sarawak will be more developed, prosperous, and advanced by 2030,” he said.
Dr Sim also credited the strong partnership within the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition — particularly between Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and SUPP — for Sarawak’s sustained political and economic stability.
“The solid relationship between PBB and SUPP since the 1970s has helped us overcome many challenges, including the political and economic crises of 1987 and 2014.
“We have not allowed ‘termites’ to divide and destroy Sarawak,” he said.
He urged SUPP members to remain sincere, united, and committed to serving the people and the party.
Also present at the event were SUPP Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong, SUPP Sibu Jaya branch chairman Kong Sing Ping, and organising committee chairperson Ivy Chieng.
