SIBU: Sarawak’s decision to focus on strengthening its own foundation was shaped by political changes after the 2018 general election and the need to protect the state’s interests amid economic challenges, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Reflecting on the events that shaped Sarawak’s current direction, he said the state had to make its own decisions after witnessing a change in the federal political landscape while Sarawak maintained its own political stability.
Abang Johari said the 2018 election marked a significant turning point when Barisan Nasional lost control of the federal government, although Sarawak retained strong support with its own elected representatives.
He said the situation prompted him to consider Sarawak’s position and future direction.
“In 2018, Barisan Nasional lost in Peninsular Malaysia, leading to a change of government. Sarawak, however, remained strong with our own support.
“At that time, I was thinking — Sarawak is okay, but the situation elsewhere was not. Whether we wanted to or not, we decided to look after our own house first,” he said when speaking during the Sarawak Day Townhall held here today (July 22).
Abang Johari said this approach gave rise to the spirit of “Sarawak First”, where the state prioritised strengthening its own economy, developing its resources and preparing its people for future challenges.
“We must take care of Sarawak first, strengthen Sarawak, develop Sarawak, and equip our children with the latest knowledge. Insya-Allah, Sarawak will progress and prosper,” he said.
He said the state’s focus on self-reliance became even more critical when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, causing disruptions to daily life and putting pressure on the economy.
“When Covid happened, people could not even be close to each other. The economy also declined. I discussed with my colleagues how we could recover from that economic situation,” he said.
Abang Johari said the situation led to the formulation of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which became Sarawak’s roadmap to rebuild its economy and pursue long-term growth.
He stressed that financial strength was essential for Sarawak to carry out its development plans.
“To develop, you need money. If you do not have money, do not talk about development,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen its financial position included reviewing its constitutional powers under the Malaysia Act 1963 and the Malaysia Agreement 1963, including the authority to implement the State Sales Tax (SST).
He said after studying the provisions and consulting the state’s legal advisers, Sarawak proceeded with implementing the SST on oil and gas products.
“I still remember what Tok Nan said — if oil and gas are in Sarawak, I care,” he said, referring to the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
Abang Johari said the decision was challenged but Sarawak defended its position through legal channels, with the court eventually ruling in the state’s favour.
He said the additional revenue generated was channelled back to the people through development initiatives, including infrastructure, education and opportunities for Sarawakians.
“From the beginning, my intention was that if Sarawak had higher income, it must return to the rakyat,” he said.
He added that increased revenue had enabled Sarawak to introduce initiatives such as free tertiary education and Sarawak’s revenue had grown from about RM7 billion previously to around RM14 billion today, but stressed that the state’s development journey was far from complete.
“This is not the end. There is more, but let me keep it first,” he said.
