Past challenges pivotal in shaping Sarawak’s economic success today, says Deputy Premier

KUCHING (Sept 14): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted the pivotal role of past challenges in shaping Sarawak’s economic success.

In his address at the 39th National Chinese Cultural Festival welcoming banquet, he noted Sarawak’s revenue had surpassed that of Johor and Selangor, increasing from RM5.8 billion in 2018 to RM7.7 billion in just half a year in 2024.

“In 2018, resilient Sarawakians stood up on their own and focused on economic development, which is why Sarawak has achieved the success it enjoys today.

“If we hadn’t woken up and learnt how to pursue economic development, we wouldn’t have the Sarawak we see today,” he said at the dinner held at Seafood Shangri-La, Cityone Megamall here on Friday.

He also highlighted the unity among Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups and political stability as the key drivers of the state’s steady progress.

“This peaceful coexistence between the different ethnic groups in Sarawak serves as the best model in the nation and is something other states should learn from,” he said.

Dr Sim also emphasised Sarawak had been steadfast in defending its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, while actively developing new energy, zero emissions, big data and artificial intelligence to contribute towards addressing global climate change.

“Sarawak is already ahead of the world in terms of zero emissions — many countries are still unable to meet this benchmark but Sarawak has already embarked on this path and will only get better,” he added.

Dr Sim also stated that Sarawak’s achievements would bring substantial economic benefits to the state, driven by the intellectual efforts of its leaders which have opened up more revenue opportunities.

Regarding the Chinese Cultural Festival, Dr Sim noted that it started since 1984, with the Chinese Assembly Halls in each state of Malaysia rotating to host it annually with the goal of preserving and promoting Chinese culture through a variety of cultural activities.

“This is the 3rd time in 39 years that Sarawak hosted it.

“The torch that symbolises the ‘Flame of Culture’ was lit in Malacca in May and paraded by the Huazhong Association of Limbang on June 22.

“After 9 stops, it (torch) finally arrived at its last stop in Kuching with a series of cultural activities, competitions, performances, and the closing ceremony on Sept 15,” he stated.

The theme for this year is ‘Multicultural Coexistence Drives National Prosperity’, which reflects the best of Sarawak.

Also present were Federation of Chinese Associations of Malaysia president Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Goh Tian Chuan, Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak president Datuk Richard Wee, Chinese Consul-General in Kuching Xing Weiping and other distinguished guests.