Premier tells townhall audience of plans going forward

KUCHING: The Sarawak government, led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is committed to continuing its push for excellence.

During a two-hour ‘Seventh Year with the Premier’ Townhall Session held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre on Saturday (Jan 14), Abang Johari shared how his Cabinet wants to bring the Land of the Hornbill towards developed state status by 2030.

The session was moderated by TV host, Sayed Munawar with co-moderators political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian and entrepreneur Mona Abdul Manap.

Here is the full text of the townhall session:

Mona: How did you envision your seven years and was this how you hoped it would unfold?

Premier: Firstly, I express my utmost appreciation and gratitude to the people of Sarawak who have entrusted me and my colleagues in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to manage and administer the state.

I was appointed as the Chief Minister in 2017 after the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem (Tok Nan) passed away. Without notice, I have been given the trust to govern a large region in Malaysia, a huge state with many challenges. But, with the support and unity of our people, we have been able to administer the state well.

One crucial thing I see is that I have 40 years of experience in the administration of Sarawak under the leadership of Tun Pehin Sri Taib. After that, Tok Nan albeit for a short period. So, I believe this experience serves as a foundation for me to develop the state in what I see as a new era.

That is why I immediately implemented the digital economy policy because, in my opinion, through my readings and experiences, the way you do business and administer the country, you must utilise the latest technology.

Although initially, many were skeptical, and wondered, “What does Abang Jo want with these new methods – new technology?” But for me, I see the future. We have experience behind us, but the world has changed.

Due to digitalisation, since the shift to chip usage, this provides a new way as it no longer relies on paper and old ways, but it is faster. Hence, in 2018, I boosted the digital economy, laying the foundation for our efforts to develop Sarawak.

Alhamdulillah, with these new methods, and when we faced Covid-19. In 2019 and 2020, we saw the people of Sarawak engaging in online businesses, even buying ‘terubok’ fish online, and using Sarawak Pay for payments. Sarawak was the first state to use it. This is very important.

On Friday, I discussed with the Federal Health Minister on when we were hit by Covid-19, we wanted to restrict and monitor the entry of tourists into Sarawak. We used tracing through our own apps, being the first state to use tracing.

Our federal counterparts asked me how? I said, we just put a wristband and trace it. This is what is referred to as the benefit of using technology. During the Covid-19 period, it was a test for us, and Alhamdulillah, the people of Sarawak were able to use technology.

Dr. Siva: How does Sarawak move forward? Surely, all this requires stability and for Sarawak to achieve a developed state by 2030? Can you share with us, what is that stability formula that strengthens the state? Because in seven years, we have seen remarkable achievements and being recognised domestically and internationally. Where is this stability built?

Premier: Indeed, we need an atmosphere of peace and harmony, which exists through mutual respect. Respect one another. In Sarawak, and even in Malaysia, there are many ethnic groups and religious beliefs.

Under my leadership, in Sarawak, I adhere to the Medina Charter as a Muslim and a Muslim leader. I see the leadership example set by Prophet Muhammad. In the context of the Medina Charter, it emphasises providing justice to all.

Dr. Siva: That unity is a good example in Sarawak and outside Sarawak. But before that, Datuk Patinggi, which team do you support in football? Manchester United?

Premier: Usually, Manchester United; they ‘boleh tahan’ (not bad). And even though Liverpool says, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Dr. Siva: So that is the unity. So, how is this unity built? Because often Sarawak is cited as an example in society for unity. How can they live together? What needs to be learned by those outside and inside in the state or the country, as it is the foundation that cannot be compromised as we navigate 2030?

Premier: Because the people of Sarawak live like that, as a family. The people of Sarawak have a tradition of mutual respect. We live under one roof and we work together. From a young age, we lived together with other communities, the Iban, Malay, Chinese. Some Malays even speak Mandarin.

And this creates a sense of familiarity among Sarawak’s ethnic groups. Moreover, intermarriage. The Chinese marry Malays, Malays marry Iban, Iban marry Bidayuh, creating Sarawakian hybrids. So, there is no sensitivity. When a Malay marries a Chinese, they participate in the tea ceremony.

The Chinese family, in turn, witnesses the marriage ceremony. Sometimes using our traditional clothes. Malays wearing Chinese attire, and vice versa with Iban and Bidayuh. We live in a family atmosphere.

As the Malay saying goes, “Cubit yang kanan, kira sakit” (Pinch the right, the left hurts). So, if you touch one community, I also feel it. If you touch the Iban, we feel it. Touch Chinese, we feel it. If Chinese touch Malays, they feel it too.

This becomes a common philosophy of life. And in this, I feel that Alhamdulillah, Sarawak has been able to maintain this position. That is why, I beg your pardon, outsiders who are extremist, we close the door, we request them not to come.

Because, what happens is that what is small (issue) can become big. From the past until now, Sarawak has lived harmoniously. And we use this stability to help the people.

Sayed Munawar: Last year, Sarawak was estimated to generate revenue of RM12.7 billion. But there was a revision where the revenue was actually RM13.3 billion? This is the highest revenue record as compared to other states. So, how was this achievable? What is the secret?

Premier: The secret is in these books. The Federal Constitution, the Constitution of Sarawak, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and this is the Cobbold Commission. These four are my Bible.

We have some provisions where we have the power to look for revenue for Sarawak.

That is why I wanted to implement the sales tax on Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas). Petronas cannot be disturbed. But I said, we have the power under the constitution to impose sales tax.

From an economic point of view, this is an important instrument in generating income. And I did it. Besides that, our economy must be diversified. We cannot rely on oil and gas. And I see what has been happening in the world since 1997, people have been talking about climate change.

So, I see that Sarawak’s economy must follow what the world requires today. That is why I diversify our resources. And, with the State Sales Tax (SST) on Petronas, and others that we implemented, it has provided returns to Sarawak.

Our estimate was RM12.7 billion, and I informed the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) in November, the estimated revenue was RM12.7 billion. In 2022, we had RM11.9 billion. In 2021, it increased after Covid-19. And it keeps increasing.

By the end of December, my financial officer informed me, there are dividends. I myself was surprised. And the most important thing is that the investments we made have yielded results, and at the end of last year, we received RM13.3 billion. A record high.

Mona: You mentioned the high income state which was declared by the World Bank. But we are also the bottom two in terms of median income in Malaysia? How do we narrow the gap?

Premier: What happens is, when we have income higher than 2022, I didn’t know that the World Bank was watching us. The World Bank looks at our income and our economy. So, they declare us as a high-income state based on the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.

To answer your remark on the median income, how to translate this and we increase median and household income? A rich state means the people must be rich. So, after Covid-19, I launched the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. And I see that we have resources. These resources must be managed well.

How do we increase household income? For me, in the PCDS, I emphasise on talent development. Some Chinese say, “Don’t give them fish but teach them how to catch fish”. In other words, you have to upgrade the skills and knowledge. Poverty can only be fought or settled by education.

Nelson Mandela said education can change the world. Malcolm X said the blacks can compete with the whites if they have the skill and knowledge. The people of Sarawak can compete with any others provided they have skills and knowledge.

That is why we emphasise education. I’m sorry, but currently, our education, we do not know the national education policies – a bit of this, a bit of that, people are confused. So, in Sarawak, we say language is important, besides Bahasa Malaysia, which is mandatory. We also retain English. So, both – Bahasa Malaysia and English.

Some say we are not patriotic. That is not the case, we emphasise on both. Language is identity, is the identity of the country. We focus on it. But at the same time, we must not neglect something that is very important to our people.

English is not just the language of the whites. It is an international language. If you want to be an international player, use the international rules, language is one of them. So, I believe that if we provide good education to our children, we can fight poverty.

Therefore, in the near future, God willing, I have a target in 2026 to provide free tertiary education to all Sarawakians. We ask Sarawakians to study in disciplines related to the new economy.

If there are too many social science graduates, it is also difficult. You’ll create unemployed graduates. Later, parents in the villages will say, “My child went to university, why can’t they find a job?” So, our policy must be balanced, and we prioritise technology in the new economy.

Audience: Could the Premier provide further explanation about Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS), an important aspect for Sarawak, and how does it bring benefits to the people?

Premier: CCUS is a relatively new matter. As we know, the world is currently experiencing global warming due to the thinning of the ozone layer. Additionally, carbon-intensive development is significant.

If our temperature exceeds 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius from the post-industrial era, the world and our planet will face significant problems. Scientists argue that if there is an excess of carbon resulting from economic activities, especially in constructions and aviation, thus carbon must be captured and stored.

This is a new approach, and many ask how to capture carbon? Some even question if we capture carbon and transport it by lorry? This causes greenhouse problems. Thus, we have methods to capture carbon and store it underground. I went to Europe to study this.

And in Sarawak’s continental shelf, the area is safe. And the geological condition is suitable for storing carbon. I was made to understand that in Sarawak, there are four such stable geological locations, and one of it is Sarawak shores. This is a blessing from God. So, when we store carbon in the ground, it cannot be free. Those who store carbon must come with payment, so this becomes a revenue stream for Sarawak.

Sayed Munawar: Do we have estimates of revenue from the CCUS, Datuk Patinggi?

Premier: There are two aspects. One is storing our carbon, and the other is the vast number of trees and forests we have. These act as carbon sinks through photosynthesis. So, storing this carbon becomes a revenue stream for Sarawak.

To ensure proper management, we need legal parameters that align with international laws, and this is a new thing even for developed countries. Hence, I thank the people of Sarawak who are aware of this. Even in my Cabinet and the civil servants, I had to explain to them the CCUS and carbon trading.

Mona: We are hosting the first Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibitions in June, and you have delivered keynote addresses on hydrogen in different countries. How can local businesses participate in this new industry and initiative introduced by Sarawak in green energy, especially considering many foreign companies are coming in?

Premier: I had the opportunity to speak in Rotterdam, Netherlands, about hydrogen. Hydrogen is produced by splitting two molecules of hydrogen and oxygen, and the crucial component is the electrolyser to split the two and of which is quite expensive at the moment. It requires power to split the two molecules.

However, I believe its price will decrease in the next ten years due to advancements in technology. If this happens, businesses can utilise hydrogen as a clean energy source. In addition, the financial institutions today emphasise on Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG).

Thus, if the production is based on environmentally friendly practices. Then businesses are able to get loans from the banks. So, local businesses need to adapt to this changing landscape and consider transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. It depends on how they perceive it.

Why does Sarawak shift towards hydrogen with many saying that it is expensive? But, we have to take the risk and it must be calculated risk. Sarawak goes towards that direction after exploring all the options.

Dr Sivamurugan: In this aspect, what do you have to offer for the youth, especially those in rural areas?

Premier: Youth is the hope of the nation, and Sarawak’s future depends on its youth. Hence, we need a policy to empower them and this is through education, providing the necessary skills and knowledge.

Sarawak’s youth are bright beyond 2030, because we have created a landscape and a foundation that is very strong in a new economy. If this happens, when investors come, we also need highly skilled youth.

To give you an example, I have established a state-own company, SMD (SMD Semiconductor) company, and this is to produce chip designers. We need 500 engineers in chip designing, and currently, we only have 25 in Sarawak.

So, we want to train more youth to become chip designers. Who knows, in the near future, we will have an airline company, having an airline that uses chips? Which is why, our economy is at that level to match the training of Sarawakians and will stay in the state to contribute their services. Then, our young people are also going to be a global player, not just within Sarawak.

As such, for the youth of Sarawak to be a global player, the youth must be trained. That is why, I dared to create this atmosphere, and I believe the youth of Sarawak can do it.

Sayed Munawar: Datuk Patinggi, you have presented many forward-thinking ideas. Sarawak needs many skilled Sarawakian youths to meet the current needs. Elaborate more on this?

Premier: The situation is such that many Sarawakians are working in Singapore and West Malaysia because of higher salaries and a higher economic level.

The capacity of Sarawakian youth is high, and their placement is crucial. So, what is happening is that Sarawak’s economy does not provide jobs for them. If we improve the economy, those in Singapore will return, as we have seen many are returning in view of our economy at the moment.

Thus, Sarawakian youth do have various skills, but there are no opportunities in Sarawak. That is why I and my colleagues believe that our policies must align with changes happening worldwide, not just by looking at West Malaysia but also considering neighbouring countries which are developing.

I give the example of cascading dams, why do we only build dams based on reservoirs? Fortunately, Sarawak has many rivers, and cascading dams can run on running water. I want to share with you, along the Rajang river, when we build roads from Sibu to Kapit and up to Mujong.

What happened is that, with these developments, the express boat service is no longer operating. When people stopped using the river, the crocodile population increased significantly. In areas where there were no crocodiles before, crocodiles emerged.

To activate the river again, we can build ascading dams. This not only enhances biodiversity but also generates electricity. When electricity is produced, economic activities will increase. So, what I mentioned here indicates that our future is bright with new technology and a fresh approach.

PART 2

Dr. Siva: Datuk Patinggi, we have discussed the economy and social issues, and now we need to address politics. It’s important to consider political stability and the relationship between Sarawak and the federal government.

Premier: Since 2018, we’ve observed that national politics are unstable because I’ve noticed some groups lack unity. The defeat of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the election was a result of these issues. In BN, there were many parties, but Sarawak had only four. Discussing Sarawak’s interests often resulted in our loss. Moreover, achieving consensus under BN was challenging, which sometimes made it difficult to represent Sarawak’s interests effectively.

Therefore, observing the uncertain political climate in West Malaysia and drawing from our experiences, we decided to form our own state coalitions and focus on strengthening Sarawak. That’s why we withdrew from BN and formed GPS.

Subsequently, we were in the opposition for 22 months. Many Sarawak projects, including the bridge construction in Batang Lupar and the Igan Bridge, were cancelled by the federal government.

Nevertheless, we persevered in our efforts. I found alternative ways to develop bridges, roads, electricity, and water supply in Sarawak using the state’s funds. Another issue was the dilapidated schools in rural areas. The then Finance Minister required us to pay upfront for school construction. Although the Federal Constitution obligates them to grant us a loan with a repayment schedule, I agreed to pay the RM1 billion upfront because we had the funds.

We witnessed changes in prime ministers, and I hoped for political stability with the formation of the Unity government. However, recent events, like the ‘Dubai Move’, which involved my name, suggest otherwise. Rumours suggested I could become prime minister in a by-election, but I understand my limitations.

The idea of appointing a Sarawakian as Prime Minister with only 23 MPs is unrealistic. What’s crucial now is that all politicians must prioritise the interests of the people and the country over personal gain.

In Sarawak, God willing, we aim for a strong Malaysia. If not, our neighbours will surpass us. In GPS, we have well-organised politics, and I believe that if Anwar remains Prime Minister until the end of his term, that would be appropriate.

In the last election, Sarawakians showed immense confidence in GPS, awarding us 76 out of 82 seats. We perceive this as a trust and a responsibility to work diligently.

Sayed Munawar: Sarawak’s commitment has significantly contributed to Malaysia’s stability. Perhaps the phrase ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ should be changed to ‘Sarawak Makmur Pemimpin Superpower, Pemimpin Bukan Paloi’.

Premier: If the leader is ‘paloi’ (stupid), it negatively impacts the people. Leaders must prioritise the people first, along with the wishes of the state and the nation. My political journey has faced many challenges, but ultimately, our future is in Allah’s hands.

Dr. Siva: What are some of the plans for women’s development in Sarawak?

Premier: In Sarawak, women are regarded as equals to men. If a woman is capable, why not empower her? We have a woman as the TVS chairperson, high-ranking female permanent secretaries, and our chief financial officer is also a woman. It’s up to the women themselves. If they excel, men excel too.

It depends on the women’s background and what they can contribute. I am grateful to the many female officers who have supported me. From an economic perspective, women are crucial, and their abilities are what matter most today.

Audience: What are the short and long-term plans of the state government for developing and enhancing the agricultural sectors in rural areas, especially plans that involve youth?

Premier: We must strategise to increase food yield and develop the agricultural industry. Sarawak, with its large area and a population of 2.8 million, is geographically suited for a larger population.

To boost agricultural products, we must, whether we like it or not, employ technology.

In the short term, we have established nine development agencies throughout Sarawak. I have allocated RM1.5 billion to these agencies over three years to administer and manage rural areas, including the agriculture sector.

For the long term, we need to change our perception of farmers, especially among the youth. The stereotypical image of farmers wearing hats, holding hoes, and looking sad, associated with poverty, needs to change. In New Zealand, for instance, agriculture is not poor; it’s an entrepreneurial venture using technology. We must upskill those interested in the food and agriculture sector.

Representing the rural areas, I recall a recent issue with rice scarcity. We imported rice, which drove up prices. In Lubok Punggor, I experimented with Vietnamese rice seeds on five acres of village land. Despite the challenging conditions, the seeds yielded fruit by July and August, and we harvested in September. This experiment produced eight tonnes per acre in three months, suggesting that we could produce 24 tonnes of rice annually.

Perhaps Sarawak can share this rice with West Malaysia. The future of agriculture isn’t limited to rice; it includes pineapple, durian, and sago. With new technology and energy, the future is bright. I am committed to playing my part, including providing fertiliser made from palm oil waste.

Audience: What is Sarawak’s role in nation-building? What can other countries emulate?

Premier: A nation is respected for its identity and strength.

Sarawak’s peace and prosperity mean we can contribute significantly to Malaysia. Our approach, as once said by Tok Nan, is ‘Jaga Sarawak bait bait’ (take good care of Sarawak), enabling us to contribute to Malaysia’s development.

The development of a nation involves becoming a strong, peaceful country with a unique identity. Malaysia has the potential to be strong. Our aim is to improve certain areas. With a population of over 30 million and notable specialties, Malaysia can progress without emulating models like ‘Dubai Move’, but by moving towards the country’s betterment.

In Sarawak, we strive to improve the whole country, and, God willing, so far, Sarawak has been doing well.

Sayed Munawar: Datuk Patinggi, I am trying to relate the audience’s earlier question with Prof Siva’s question regarding politics. I believe that the audience is not exclusively Sarawakian. Given Sarawak’s rapid development, it has caught the attention of many. I think many States are inquiring, “How did Sarawak manage its development so remarkably well?” Concerns arise whether federalism could be detrimental due to being overly Sarawak-centric. How would Datuk Patinggi respond to such views?

Premier: Some people assert, “This is Sarawak, this is Sarawak for Sarawakians, Sarawak comes first.” In a village, we take care of our house first. If our house is in order, our neighbours benefit, and we create a prosperous village.

This approach underpins Sarawak’s development strategy. By focusing on Sarawak’s progress, we contribute to a stronger Malaysian nation. This is why I say, “If Sarawak is strong, Malaysia is strong. Conversely, if Sarawak is in disarray, Malaysia suffers as well. Currently, Sarawak is not in disarray, but there are problems elsewhere.”

Indeed, our country was formed through the establishment of a federation, with provinces or regions that contribute to the overall strength. Germany, a federal state, offers a good example. Bavaria, a strong region in Germany, doesn’t seek independence, yet its strength benefits the whole country. Similarly, a strong Sarawak can become the Bavaria of Malaysia, significantly contributing to the strength of federalism.

When I advocate ‘Sarawak First’, it does not imply a desire to secede from the federation. Under the Malaysia Agreement, we simply seek justice and the preservation of our rights.

It is imperative to protect our rights, especially when there are attempts to undermine them. We must assert our rights as needed.

However, some factions discuss independence, which is a complex and challenging path to embark upon.

We believe what is essential now is a strong, united country. My colleagues in GPS and I are committed to this belief. I extend my gratitude to all the leaders in GPS, united in the goal to develop Sarawak and strengthen the central government in Kuala Lumpur.