MANILA: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is determined to leave behind a legacy of development that will continue to benefit future generations of Sarawakians.
He said leaders have a responsibility to look beyond present needs and ensure development planned today continues to serve the people in the years ahead.
“When we are here, we need to leave behind a legacy that will benefit the generations to come.
“Change is the only constant, and society must be prepared to adapt to changes and anticipate what is coming,” he said in a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS).
He said this during a fireside chat with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at its headquarters here today (Sept 8).
Abang Johari said this approach forms the basis of Sarawak’s long-term planning across sectors including energy, technology, transportation and economic development.
He cited the state’s adoption of hydrogen technology for its Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system as an example of investing with future needs in mind.
While emerging technologies may carry higher costs initially, he said technological advances and greater efficiency could eventually bring those costs down.
“Hydrogen is expensive at the moment, but there may be new technologies that will reduce the cost of producing hydrogen,” he said.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak’s development must strike a balance between economic growth, the interests of its people and environmental sustainability.
He said the three elements must progress together to ensure development remains sustainable and delivers long-term benefits to the people.
