BY JAMES WONG & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Sunday hit out at critics who had questioned the feasibility and sustainability of adopting hydrogen technology and resorting to alternative funding initiatives.
“Some people say hydrogen is difficult or risky. Perhaps they don’t understand the technology even after I have explained to them,” he said in response to aspersions cast by opposition leaders regarding the state’s decision to use hydrogen-powered vehicles in the Kuching Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
“Even Elon Musk, who pioneered electric vehicles (EVs), is now moving toward hydrogen,” he said when officiating at the closing of the 26th SUPP Triennial Delegates Conference held at Dewan Sa’ati, SUPP headquarters here.
Abang Johari highlighted the importance of technological literacy for leaders while taking jabs at critics who called the ART system as unnecessary and that the state was wasting resources on outdated solutions.
“They don’t realise the power of hydrogen and its applications. We want to improve our public transport, so that we can open up housing in new areas. The moment you open up housing, (there will be) opportunity for the business community, as well as people who need housing,” he added.
The Premier also addressed accusations regarding Sarawak’s alternative funding model, which opposition members claimed would lead to bankruptcy.
“Some said our initiatives would bankrupt Sarawak when I became Chief Minister. Today, we have more money, not less. We set up the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) to support projects like roads and bridges using our own model. By 2027, these loans will be repaid,” he said.
He also said these initiatives have enabled the state to fund critical infrastructure projects, including bridges in rural areas such as Daro, Sejingkat, and Batang Lupar, without relying heavily on federal support.
“They said we would run out of money, but they forget we have a sovereign fund. Our finances are stable because we have the wisdom to implement good policies and manage our economy effectively,” he added.
Previously, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas had also rebutted claims made by Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen regarding Sarawak’s alternative funding initiatives.
Uggah dismissed these allegations as “misleading and ignorant” during his ministerial winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly sitting.
Chong had also criticised the hydrogen-powered ART buses, citing failed trials in over ten cities worldwide.
He called on the Sarawak government to consider replacing them with electric buses, describing the hydrogen plan as impractical.
