THE leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been described as visionary and forward-looking in steering Sarawak towards becoming a developed and high-income economy through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
In debating the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak’s address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said Sarawak was now positioning itself as a future-ready economy driven by technology, innovation, renewable energy, digitalisation and green industrial development.
“The Premier deserves recognition as a visionary and forward-looking leader because he has fundamentally transformed the development narrative of Sarawak,” he said.
Wong, who is the assemblyman for Bawang Assan, said the transformation was guided by a clear roadmap under PCDS 2030, which focuses on sustaining economic growth, strengthening infrastructure, accelerating digital transformation, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
“Today, Sarawak is emerging as a regional leader in renewable energy, hydrogen economy, green technology, semiconductor industries, digital economy, aerospace development, and sustainable manufacturing,” he said.
At the same time, Wong stressed that economic transformation must benefit all levels of society, including rural communities, youths, farmers, fishermen and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“The real measure of success is whether ordinary Sarawakians experience meaningful improvement in their daily lives,” he said.
He also highlighted several challenges that still need to be addressed, including income disparity between urban and rural areas, shortage of skilled manpower, youth migration, cost of living pressures, and rural connectivity gaps.
Wong said investments in education, TVET, digital literacy and innovation must continue to be strengthened to ensure Sarawak remains competitive in the future economy.
He also voiced support for efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s rights and autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), particularly in enhancing the state’s control over its resources, regulatory authority and energy sector.
“I believe history will remember this era under our Premier’s leadership as a significant turning point in Sarawak’s development journey,” he added.
