KUCHING: Sarawak’s takeover of Bintulu Port from the Federal Government is a rightful reclamation of the state’s constitutional authority, made possible by its strengthened financial position, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Explaining the rationale behind the historic move, he said port management has always been within Sarawak’s rights under the Federal Constitution, but circumstances decades ago required federal involvement in the development of Bintulu Port.
“When we reclaimed our rights under the Constitution, we did so because port management is our right,” he said during the launch of the Bidayuh Cultural Centre (BCC) in Bau today (June 22).
He recalled that when Bintulu Port was first developed, Sarawak lacked the financial resources needed to undertake such a major infrastructure project.
“At that time, we did not have enough funds. Therefore, the federal government acted as a guarantor so that we could secure a loan from the Asian Development Bank to build the port,” he said.
According to the Premier, discussions between then Chief Minister Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub and former Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn led to the federal government assuming responsibility for the project.
“Today, however, we have the financial capability, so we have taken it back,” he said.
Abang Johari attributed Sarawak’s stronger financial standing to the state government’s economic policies and initiatives aimed at increasing revenue and expanding economic opportunities.
“Why are we now financially strong? It is because of our policies. We have introduced new economic strategies to increase our revenue. We have increased our income. Now, we are able to develop the entire state,” he said.
He stressed that financial resources were essential for development, noting that projects such as the BCC would not have materialised without sufficient funding.
The Premier revealed that Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep had previously proposed the BCC project during the tenure of the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, but financial constraints prevented its implementation.
“When Henry approached me, I already had plans to increase our revenue. I told him, ‘Go ahead, just proceed with it,’” he said.
Abang Johari also expressed gratitude to Sarawakians for their continued support of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), saying the mandate given by voters enabled the government to strengthen the state’s economy and channel benefits back to the people.
Yesterday, the Sarawak government finalised a RM1.8 billion payment to the federal government through the presentation of a symbolic cheque and the signing of a Completion Agreement, marking the official transition of Bintulu Port into a state port.
