I REFER to the recent news article quoting several analysts, criticising the ‘ambitious’ development in Sarawak.
The article, published in a Malaya-based portal, raised concern on the motives of the criticism in the first place.
The analysts quoted do not appear to be at all familiar with the vision of the Sarawak government as well as the needs of the people, preferring to shoot from the hip without any second thought in regards to facts.
I would even go as far as to question whether they have ever been to Sarawak at all, because the thinking that was represented in the article, as far as I am concerned, is very backward.
I expected such a narrative ten or fifteen years ago when unscrupulous and uninformed bloggers would spout nonsense on what they think was happening in Sarawak, but not now, in this current era.
It represented a throwback to the old times when people from the other side of the South China Sea thought they knew better than the people who are from Sarawak itself.
They thought the solutions to the problems in Malaya can and will translate to the issues in Sarawak when in fact, it won’t and it couldn’t.
The article in its first paragraph read:
“Sarawak must take a more cautious approach in evaluating its mega projects amid global economic uncertainties, said analysts who warned that these would falter unless the state addresses major issues”.
Let’s go deeper and find out what the issues are, as detailed in the article:
“Experts warn that factors such as talent shortages, high costs and demand risks could undermine major initiatives like the new airport, transport system and gas roadmap”.
I wouldn’t describe these issues as trivial, these are fair points, but consider this: the development of mega projects is poised to solve these issues in the first place.
For example, the issue of talent shortage.
Why is it happening? Probably it is due to the lack of development in sectors where the talents are in. We have talented professionals, but maybe the issue is the lack of opportunities in Sarawak, leading to them seeking it elsewhere.
Now, if we are to develop that sector and provide that opportunity here, for Sarawakians to serve at home, we can bring them back and therefore solve the talent shortage.
At the same time, the Sarawak government is also actively developing new talents for emerging industries. This is through their emphasis in the education sector as well as training and certifications through its education institutions.
The free education initiative by the Sarawak government, which is expected to begin next year is a manifestation of its commitment to develop talents as well as create the human capital needed to leverage on industry demand.
Secondly, the issue of cost. No doubt, development is costly and of course, amid economic uncertainties, there would be some reservations on the priorities. But consider this, it would be more costly if infrastructure development takes a backseat.
This is because it would dampen economic growth as well as delaying much needed infrastructure delivery to the people. In the end, it would be the people who are feeling the pinch, both in terms of monetary as well as facilities.
Both of them have been long-standing issues, not just for the people in Sarawak but also in other parts of the world. These mega projects, as they describe it, presented itself as a necessity, while perhaps not relevant to the people in Malaya, but are to the people of Sarawak.
It has to be said, lopsided development between Sarawak and Malaya has been a sore point for some time, but when time comes for this to be addressed, and the development gap to be bridged – with Sarawak having the means to do so, why all of a sudden are some people making noise? This is nonsense.
Also consider this, in terms of economic growth, the Sarawak government through the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has single-handedly transformed our fortunes.
With the diversified and increasingly forthcoming revenue streams, coupled with prudent financial management as well as clarity of vision, we have the means to develop Sarawak on our own, without having to wait for funds from Malaya.
Last year, Sarawak recorded its highest ever revenue collection to the tune of RM14.2 billion and ranks among the highest in economic performance in Malaysia.
Why is it all of a sudden, when Sarawak is implementing much needed and desired development, for the sake of its people and its future, would some people find it hard to accept?
Moving on to the question of demand, exactly what demand are they referring to? Because if it’s the demand of the locals for these projects, we all wanted it, in fact, in some cases, begged for it.
For example, look at the project for road and bridges throughout Sarawak initiated by the Premier, where we are on track to complete 12 bridges by year-end; imagine the impact to the people in every nook and corner of Sarawak.
These are game-changers, not only in terms of providing convenience of is very backwards, but also the opportunities and future development that it provides for their areas. Let’s also consider the economic spin-offs that it brings to the people.
At the same time, let’s look at facility projects such as providing electricity supply and clean water to the people. These are mega projects due to the scale of the area covered; is it not considered essential?
Similarly, the Sarawak gas development roadmap, which is poised to create opportunities and industry participation, as questioned by an elected representative who is supposed to represent the people in Sarawak, a region where gas is a key commodity, is it also not considered essential?
The issue for me is that these people – including the analysts, the so-called YB and certain quarters – are always complaining about the problems around us, but when a solution is presented to us, we are not as supportive of it.
So, the question would be, do we want to keep complaining about these problems or do we want the problems to actually be solved?
This is where the question of political will comes in. The Premier and the Sarawak government are committed to developing Sarawak as it is vital for everyone’s future, but the same cannot be said for everyone.
Some people, sadly, feel that it is better that some problems remain unsolved, or when it is solved, they are interested in finding or manufacturing ‘new’ problems, because there is political mileage in it for them. This is un-Sarawakian behaviour.
So, I urge everyone who claims themselves as being Sarawakian to stand behind the development which is part of the Premier’s grand vision to transform Sarawak’s fortunes and therefore, the fortunes of its people.
It is saddening to see that some of us, and I say some, have the tendency to not believe in ourselves and what we can do to change our future, and in doing so, lending credence to naysayers from outside Sarawak who are criticising our own home and our own leaders.
To the analysts as well as the publishers, we know the game you are playing; this is another poison pen letter to sow distrust in Sarawak and its leaders.
They are saying that we do not know what we are doing when in fact, we do, and the result of it – our economic development, our policies and its impact to the people – is for everyone to see.
To quote a not-so-old political adage, “kita bukan paloi” (do not take us for fools).
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at nazmixsuhaimi@gmail.com.
