‘We have an aspiration that in 2030, Sarawak will become a developed and excellent state. I aspire to transform our state into a major player in the Federation of Malaysia. That is why we must defend our unique position and God-given resources,’
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
It’s that time of the year again—the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, a yearly event that brings excitement and anticipation as key issues come to the floor.
This session has generated particular interest due to the 2025 Sarawak Budget, tabled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The 2025 Sarawak Budget stands as the largest in the state’s history, totalling RM15.8 billion — an increase of 16 percent from the previous year’s allocation of RM13.6 billion.
This historic budget dedicates RM4.9 billion to operating expenditures and RM10.9 billion to development, showcasing a robust commitment to infrastructure investment and the overall well-being of Sarawakians.
The budget outlines several ambitious goals — building a prosperous and equitable society, enhancing government service delivery, achieving financial sustainability, and positioning Sarawak as a green hub.
Notably, the 2025 budget introduces several significant initiatives such as the student financial assistance where RM30 million has been allocated to provide RM1,200 in pocket money to 25,000 Sarawakian students from lower-income families enrolled in higher learning institutions across Malaysia.
This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on students from households earning RM1,500 or less monthly.
Through the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) initiative, RM450 million has been set aside to support 850,000 low-income residents.
Households, depending on their income levels, may receive between RM250 and RM800 annually to purchase essential food items, ensuring food security for vulnerable populations.
Moreover, a substantial portion of the budget is dedicated to upgrading roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
These efforts are designed to improve connectivity and drive economic growth across the state.
At the same time, an allocation of RM11 million is committed to establishing the Sarawak Net Zero and Carbon Plan and implementing the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023.
This landmark budget reflects a strategic vision for a prosperous and sustainable future, with investments that address the immediate needs of Sarawakians while paving the way for long-term transformation.
For me, this budget embodies what governance should be about — empowering people, ensuring that no one is left behind, and taking concrete steps to build a better and more equitable future.
Amid it all is Tan Sri Datuk Amar Awang Asfia Awang Nasar, seasoned Speaker of the DUN.
Holding the reins of the session, he works tirelessly to maintain order as debates flare up and tempers occasionally run high.
He once humorously confided that his blood pressure rose when questions started pouring in before the DUN sitting commenced — and it went up even more when debates became too heated.
Watching him work to steady the room amid the intensity is like watching a captain navigate a ship through turbulent waters.
His calm and firm demeanor is essential in guiding the assembly back on track, and there are moments when one can’t help but feel for him as he deals with the verbal sparring and manages to maintain decorum during it all.
Aside from the drama and the weighty decisions on the floor, the DUN sitting also offers a rare chance for camaraderie among the media.
For journalists like us, whose assignments usually take us to different events, this is one of the few times we are all gathered under one roof, working side by side.
It’s a welcome break from the usual solitary nature of our work.
There’s a special sense of unity and shared purpose that comes with covering the DUN, as we embrace the long hours, taking notes, snapping photos, recording quotes, and making sure every important moment is documented.
In between sessions, we share light-hearted moments, swap stories, and sometimes just enjoy the simple pleasure of being in the same place at the same time — a rare occasion in this line of work.
The media’s role is to bring clarity and transparency to the proceedings, to make sure that Sarawakians understand how the budget will affect their lives and what changes they can expect in the year ahead.
And being able to do that while surrounded by colleagues and friends in the media makes the long hours even more worthwhile.
For the people of Sarawak, this budget represents hope and opportunity, setting the stage for inclusive growth that resonates with communities across the state.
It’s a well-rounded budget that aims to uplift every corner of Sarawak, providing pathways to a better quality of life and sustainable growth.
For those of us in the media, it’s an honour to witness this process, to document the historic decisions being made, and to bring these stories to the public.
At the sessions, I look forward to the insights, exchanges, and, yes, the inevitable drama that always accompanies this time of year.
It’s an exhausting yet exhilarating season and being part of it is a privilege that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
