SIBU: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged Sarawakians to embrace the resilience and strength symbolised by dragons in the Year of the Dragon.
He said Sarawak remains committed to fortifying its economy to bolster revenue streams throughout 2024.
“Sarawak is fortunate as from the year 2021 until 2023, it seems that our economy is on the right track. In 2022, we managed to increase our revenue from our economic activities to RM11 billion and in 2023 we managed again to increase our revenue to RM13.3 billion.
“In 2023, Sarawak was acknowledged by the World Bank that it is a high-income state … that was assessed by the World Bank, not by us. Now we want to translate that high income into high household income.
“We are able to restructure our economy and we will pursue this restructuring. The year 2024 is a Year of the Dragon. We must act like the dragon,” he said.
He was speaking at the Sibu United Chinese Association (UCA) Chinese New Year gathering which was graced by the Head of State Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi at Kingwood Hotel here last night (Feb 13).
Abang Johari outlined key achievements anticipated for Sarawak in the Year of the Dragon, including the assumption of control over Bintulu Port by June and the establishment of a port authority to oversee all ports.
He also reiterated plans to acquire MASwings and establish a state-owned airline, along with the creation of a commercial bank.
“With all this trend (in our economy) our future is bright. Sarawak’s economic future is very bright with stability. Politics must be managed properly. No point for us to quarrel among ourselves. That is what happening in the peninsular.
“Some say Sarawak is a linchpin in Malaysia. We decide what happens in Malaysia. However, we are humble. All we want is stability, strong government and focus on the people’s need, so that, Sarawak will prosper toward 2030,” he added.
Also in attendance were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian and his wife, Datin Amar Enn Ong; Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi and his wife, Datin Sadiah Buji; Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife, Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; and federal Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
