THE Sarawak’s Alternative Funding (AF) initiative continues to reshape the state’s physical landscape and propelling the economy towards high-income status under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, with a sum RM21.8 billion already channelled into key development projects across the state.
Deputy Premier and Second Minister of Finance and New Economy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the AF mechanism – introduced to accelerate critical infrastructure without straining the state’s fiscal position – has enabled Sarawak to fast-track major projects that enhance rural accessibility, regional connectivity and overall economic competitiveness under PCDS 2030.
When delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Dec 3), Uggah said that of the 1,586 projects approved under AF, a total of 1,127, or 71 per cent, have been completed, while another 459 projects are at various stages of implementation.
“AF has allowed us to unlock major investment opportunities and deliver projects more quickly, enabling Sarawak to leapfrog its infrastructure development,” he said.
Among the major ongoing undertakings under the AF initiative are the construction of the Coastal Road and Second Trunk Road projects; Sarawak Water Supply Grid – Stressed Areas; Rural Electrification Scheme (RES); IRSDA and RECODA projects for URDA, HDA and NRDA; Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS); Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) towers and the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN); and construction of educational facilities, including Sarawak International Schools.
Uggah later dismissed claims by the Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen that the state’s deficit figures did not include spending under the AF initiative, describing the allegation as “misleading and incorrect”.
He said the opposition members had deliberately mixed up operating expenditure, development expenditure and AF-funded projects, resulting in a confused and inaccurate conclusion.
“He goes further to imply that borrowing for development is somehow improper. This is completely misguided.
“Borrowing for development is a common, strategic and responsible practice adopted by advanced economies such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and China,” he said, adding that delays in infrastructure development would only increase long-term costs.
Uggah further questioned why Chong appeared “consistently allergic to development”.
“Every time Sarawak builds roads, water systems, digital infrastructure, ART or hydrogen facilities, he cries ‘bankrupt’.
“If we had listened to him five years ago, there would have been no Pan Borneo, no expansion of the digital economy, no hydrogen industry, no ART project, no rural transformation initiatives and no major bridges linking our communities.
“Sarawak would be so far behind and our people will not be able to enjoy the fruits of development,” he said.
Uggah further claimed Chong had consistently opposed progress, suggesting this may explain why he was not entrusted with any substantive role in the federal administration even though the latter was given a stint as a Deputy Minister for a short nine-month before.
“The difference is clear. While he chooses fear, chooses to be ‘Mr No’, chooses to misrepresent figures and chooses anti-development, the Sarawak Government chooses progress,” he said.
He then said that under the leadership of the Premier, Sarawak’s finances are strong, certified, and internationally recognised.
“We will continue to invest, to build and to push forward, because development delayed is development denied,” he said.
He added that if the Chong viewed development purely as debt, then it becomes clear why the latter has never been trusted to build anything.
“Meanwhile, Sarawak under the Premier is building its future steadily, responsibly and confidently. We will not allow fear-driven narratives to hold us back.
“We will build, we will grow, and we will secure a prosperous, future-ready Sarawak for the next generation,” he said.
