KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has garnered international acclaim for his leadership in advancing Sarawak’s green economy and sustainable development.
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang noted that the Premier has been invited to share Sarawak’s strategies on decarbonization, energy transition, and green economy development at prominent forums in Europe, Singapore, and Japan.
His initiatives align with global sustainability goals and have positioned Sarawak as a leader.
Gira added that the Premier’s transformative leadership over the past eight years has significantly impacted Sarawak’s economic growth, development, and social inclusivity.
“Under his leadership, Sarawak achieved high-income status seven years ahead of schedule, with a gross national income (GNI) per capita exceeding USD13,205 (RM61,442) in 2022.
“The introduction of the Sarawak Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum and other export products boosted state revenue to a record RM14 billion in 2024, compared to RM4 to 5 billion annually.
“Sarawak’s total trade also reached a decade-high of RM217.2 billion in 2022, marking a remarkable 44 per cent growth,” he said.
These achievements, said the assemblyman, are part of the Sarawak Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to double the state’s economy from RM136 billion in 2019 to RM282 billion by 2030, with an annual growth target of six to eight per cent.
On the social front, he lauded the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), a government initiative promoting inclusivity and welfare for non-Muslim communities in Sarawak.
He noted that UNIFOR has spearheaded various projects, including its nine-storey complex here.
“Set to be operational by early 2025, it will house office spaces, shop lots, and a hall for up to 1,000 people.
“UNIFOR continues to work towards fostering unity and inclusivity among Sarawak communities,” he added.
As such, Gira commended the Premier’s commitment to sustainability, economic growth, and inclusivity, which has transformed Sarawak and earned recognition both locally and internationally.
Sarawak, he asserted, has positioned itself as a leader in pursuing a green economy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning its efforts with the Paris Accord as well as the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
