KUCHING: The state draws on shared resources and population traits with Scandinavian nations to work itself towards becoming the ‘Norway of the East’ through their development model.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark have prospered due to the right policies and a strong determination to utilise resources and technology.
“Norway is similar to us. It is located in the North Sea, and its strength lies in oil and gas. The other strength is the quality of its people, who are skilled and experts in various fields.
“And I also see that this enables Norway to remain unaffected if there is an economic problems in the EU (European Union). Why? Because they have managed their resources well.
“In addition to oil and gas, they also have clean energy and advanced technology,” he said during the ‘Eight years with Premier Sarawak’ Townhall Session at Hikmah Exchange and Event Centre Kuching last night (Jan 13).
Abang Johari said that to achieve this goal, Sarawak needs to incorporate various factors supporting the state’s development, including strong efforts in legislation and the use of special provisions under the Malaysian Constitution.
“We use whatever provisions are available in our legislation, namely the Malaysian Constitution and the Sarawak Constitution.
“Another factor is how we use those provisions, which may generate additional income for the state, so this income can become a driving force to develop our state,” he said.
He added that the additional income would serve as a catalyst for various infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, water, and electricity supply.
Also present were Abang Johari’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Jumaani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
