A Thick Budget, A Bigger Story

‘A budget is a moral statement of priorities.’ — Rev Jim Wallis, an American Christian theologian, author and social justice advocate, best known for founding Sojourners, a faith-based organisation and magazine concerned with poverty, inequality and public policy.

There are moments in journalism that stay with you, not necessarily because they are extraordinary, but because of the little things that happen before the actual story begins. 

Monday morning was one of those moments.

I arrived at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building just in time to catch Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the group photography session at the stage in the lobby.

As expected, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. 

After all, it was Budget Day, arguably one of the most important days in Sarawak’s legislative calendar.

But what caught my attention was a rather light-hearted moment involving the Premier and the thick Budget document he was holding.

At one point, he flipped through its pages and remarked in Sarawak Malay, “Tebal tok, banyak duit.” 

It was a simple, spontaneous remark, but one that I found rather amusing.  

Looking back at what unfolded over the next few hours, I suppose he was not exaggerating.

Sarawak’s revenue for 2026 is now projected to reach RM15.091 billion, a remarkable figure that reflects the state’s growing financial strength.

To put that into perspective, Sarawak’s revenue in 2017 stood at RM6.864 billion. 

In less than a decade, the figure has more than doubled.

That is quite an achievement, especially for a state that has long grappled with the challenges of geographical isolation, uneven development and the enormous cost of connecting its vast rural communities.

Perhaps the thickness of that Budget document was a fitting representation of just how much Sarawak’s financial position has changed.

At 9.19am, the Premier began presenting the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026. 

He continued speaking, page after page, detailing the state’s financial performance, expenditure, development priorities and various initiatives for the people.

By the time he finished at 1.03pm, he had been standing for three hours and 44 minutes – almost four hours. 

As someone whose job involves sitting through lengthy speeches, taking notes and identifying newsworthy points, I know how mentally exhausting Budget Day can be. 

But standing and delivering an entire Budget speech for nearly four hours is another matter altogether.

Later that evening, during the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) Golden Jubilee dinner, the Premier himself joked about the length of his presentation.

He quipped that without money, there would not have been much for him to talk about.

And with Sarawak’s revenue increasing, naturally, he had more to say. 

I thought it was a rather clever way of putting things.

Behind the humour, however, was a much bigger story. 

The RM15.091 billion projected revenue for 2026 is not merely another impressive figure announced during a Budget presentation.

It reflects how Sarawak’s financial capacity has grown and, more importantly, the opportunities that come with it. 

It means the state is in a stronger position to pursue development, strengthen public services and invest in initiatives that might once have seemed beyond its reach.

For a long time, discussions about Sarawak’s development have often centred on what we lack. 

Roads that have yet to be completed, rural communities still waiting for basic infrastructure, schools requiring improvements and healthcare facilities struggling with accessibility.

These challenges have not disappeared, but having stronger financial resources means Sarawak is now in a better position to address them. 

And that, to me, is where the significance of RM15 billion truly lies. 

Because as impressive as the figure sounds, the money itself is not the ultimate achievement. 

What matters is what we do with it.

The Sarawak 2027 Budget proposes RM10.098 billion in development expenditure, alongside various initiatives covering education, infrastructure, economic growth and social welfare – these are substantial commitments.

But I believe the real test will come when those allocations are translated into improvements that ordinary Sarawakians can actually experience.

For someone living in Kuching, development might mean better public transport, improved healthcare facilities or more employment opportunities. 

For a family in Baram, Kapit or another remote part of Sarawak, it could mean something as fundamental as a reliable road, uninterrupted electricity or clean water. 

And for parents, it might mean knowing that their children can pursue higher education without placing an overwhelming financial burden on the family.

These are the things that give meaning to the billions announced.

I also find myself thinking about how much expectations have changed over the years.

When a government announces record revenue, naturally, people begin expecting more.

I do not think that is unreasonable because with greater financial strength comes greater responsibility.

People want to know that the money will be managed wisely, that projects will be delivered as promised and that development will reach beyond the urban centres.

They want to see results, not simply hear about allocations.

As journalists, we too have a responsibility to look beyond the figures.

Budget Day may be about reporting what has been announced, but the months and years that follow should be about examining what has actually been achieved.

After all, a billion-ringgit allocation makes an impressive headline, but a completed road, a functioning clinic or a student finally able to attend university tells us far more about its impact.

There is also something worth remembering about the RM15.091 billion figure.

It is a projection for 2026, rather than a final audited revenue figure.

Economic conditions can change, commodity prices can fluctuate and revenue expectations may need to be adjusted.

This makes prudent financial management just as important as generating higher revenue.

Still, there is every reason to acknowledge the progress Sarawak has made.

From RM6.864 billion in 2017 to a projected RM15.091 billion in 2026, the growth is significant.

And for those of us who have followed Sarawak’s development over the years, it is certainly something worth reflecting on.

When I think back to Monday morning, I keep returning to that brief moment in the DUN lobby.

The Premier flipping through the thick pages of the Budget document, making that light-hearted remark before going on to deliver one of the longest speeches I have personally witnessed.

“Tebal tok, banyak duit.” It was funny then, and perhaps even more meaningful now.

But I hope that years from today, when we look back at this Budget, we will remember more than its thickness, its figures or the nearly four hours it took to present.

I hope we will remember the roads that were built, the opportunities that were created, the communities that benefited and the lives that became better.

Because ultimately, Sarawak’s greatest achievement should not simply be how much money it can generate.

It should be how much of that prosperity reaches its people.

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 [email protected].