Secret recipe to raise annual state income

KUCHING: Sarawak holds seriously to the four important documents – the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Constitution of Sarawak, Cobbold Commission, and the Federal Constitution to drive the state forward towards a developed state including accelerating its economy.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg referred to the documents as a ‘secret recipe’ to increase the state income every year.

“The secret that I brought here with me are these important books namely the Federal Constitution, Constitution of Sarawak, MA63, and Cobbold Commission. These four become my Bible.

“We have some provisions where we have the power to look for revenue for Sarawak. Hence, that is why I implemented the State Sales Tax (SST) on Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas). Petronas cannot be touched. But we have the power (to impose the SST). This is an important revenue.

“Aside from that, we have an economy that should be diversified. We cannot just depend on oil and gas,” he said.

He said this during the ‘Seventh Year with the Premier’ Townhall Session held at the Satok Ballroom, Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here last night.

Abang Johari was responding to a question by one of the moderators, well-known TV host Sayed Munawar on what Sarawak’s recipes were able to achieve a revenue of RM13.3 billion, the highest as compared to other states.

Abang Johari further said the world now is faced with challenges particularly climate change.

“So, I think the state’s economy should be based on the approaches… Based on what the world needs. That is why I diversified our economy,” he said.

He added Sarawak estimated revenue for last year was RM12.7 billion, but at the end of December last year, it witnessed a high-record revenue of RM13.3 billion.

“This is due to the dividend that we have received that led to an additional increase in revenue. The important thing is the investment that we made and finally at the end of the year we received RM13.3 billion,” he said.

Abang Johari also reiterated that what is most important is that Sarawak maintained a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere so that it could achieve its aim of becoming a developed state by 2030.

Meanwhile, the townhall was attended by approximately 1,000 attendees, including delegates from the state Cabinet and heads of departments at both state and federal levels.

Notably, a significant portion of the audience comprised individuals, aged 18 to 40, encompassing students, young CEOs, working professionals, and representatives from youth associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Additionally, participants from institutions of higher learning (IPTA/IPTS) and persons with disabilities (OKU) were also in attendance.

The town hall discussion delved into topics such as “Sarawak 2030: Sustainable Leadership” and “Sarawak Maju Makmur,” moderated by Sayed Munawar with co moderators political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian and entrepreneur Mona Abdul Manap.