“You need lofty goals. Then cement it with a great work ethic.”
— Jerry West
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
Sarawak is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary of independence this year. The occasion, which falls on July 22, 2023, will be marked by a series of events and activities that aim to bring Sarawakians closer together and celebrate the progress and prosperity that the state has achieved over the past six decades.
According to Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who chairs the 60th Anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence Celebration Committee, the celebrations will culminate in a grand event at the historic Padang Merdeka in Kuching, the state’s capital city. Assemblies, parades, public concerts, and fireworks displays are planned to take place at the venue on the day of the anniversary.
However, the celebrations are not limited to just one day. Since May 28, the state has been hosting a range of activities leading up to the auspicious occasion, under the theme ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’. The Kembara Sarawak Merdeka convoy, which criss-crossed the state, kicked off the celebrations, and a parade of decorated floats is set to take place at Kuching Waterfront on July 29, followed by street parades in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri in August.
As Sarawakians celebrate this remarkable milestone in their state’s history, it’s an opportune moment for them to reflect on the significant progress that the state has made since gaining independence in 1963. Sarawak was granted independent self-rule from the British Empire on July 22, 1963, with the expectation that it would jointly form the Federation of Malaysia on September 16 the same year.
Through prudent policies and strategic investments, the state has harnessed its abundant natural resources to propel its economy forward. From the development of industries such as agriculture, timber, and petroleum to the establishment of thriving sectors like tourism, manufacturing, digital, and now sustainable energy, Sarawak has diversified its economic landscape, creating employment opportunities, and improving the standard of living for its people.
Prudence per se in the formation and implementation of policies alone deserves a fair amount of elaboration here. First of all it means being careful and sensible in making decisions and taking actions to avoid risks or harm.
In the context of social-economic development, it is about carefully designing and carrying out strategies that are aimed at achieving specific goals in a responsible, efficient, and sustainable manner.
In terms of Sarawak’s economic development, prudent policies have played a crucial role in harnessing the state’s natural resources and creating an enabling environment for economic growth.
For instance, Sarawak’s policies have focused on diversifying the state’s economic landscape by developing various sectors such as agriculture, timber, petroleum, tourism, manufacturing, and digital, among others. This approach has not only created employment opportunities but also improved the standard of living for its people.
Moreover, Sarawak has implemented policies that prioritise the preservation of its culture and environment. A good example is the state’s establishment of cultural and heritage centres, museums, and parks to promote and preserve its diverse cultural heritage. It has also taken measures to conserve its rich biodiversity and natural resources, such as rainforests, rivers, and wildlife, through sustainable practices.
In addition, the state has been proactive in attracting foreign investment by offering various incentives and creating an investor-friendly environment. This has helped to stimulate economic growth and create new opportunities for Sarawakians.
Overall, Sarawak’s prudent policies have been crucial in laying the foundation for its economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. The state’s leadership has demonstrated a long-term vision and commitment to creating a prosperous and harmonious state for all.
With the recent accolade from the World Bank, declaring Sarawak as a high-income state, it is evident that the collective efforts of the state’s leaders and people have borne fruit. However, the aspirations for Sarawak must go beyond mere income statistics, and the state must envision a diversified and sustainable economy, characterised by innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development.
When implementing inclusive development the government uses approaches that seek to ensure that the benefits of economic growth and physical development are shared equitably among all members of society, particularly the poor and marginalised. It aims to create opportunities for all individuals and groups to participate in and benefit from the economic, social, and political life of a country.
The state government recognises that economic growth alone is not sufficient to reduce poverty and inequality, and that targeted policies and interventions are needed to ensure that all members of society can access the benefits of development. This includes policies and programs to promote education, healthcare, social protection, and access to credit and finance, as well as measures to address discrimination, social exclusion, and unequal power relations.
It is also acknowledged that different groups face different barriers to participation and access to opportunities, and that a one-size-fits-all approach is not adequate. It requires tailoring policies and programmes to the specific needs and circumstances of different groups, such as women, youth, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.
To wrap up, inclusive development aims to ensure that everyone benefits from economic growth and development, regardless of their background or circumstances, and that no one is left behind. It recognises that development is a process that involves everyone, and that the benefits of development must be shared equitably to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
As Sarawakians look to the future, it’s crucial to remain focused on these aspirations and harness the collective strength and determination of the people to ensure that Sarawak can continue to flourish, transforming challenges into opportunities and realizing the vision of a prosperous and harmonious state for all.
Let this anniversary be a catalyst for even greater achievements, united in the vision of a dynamic and inclusive Sarawak for all.
To all fellow Sarawakians, I wish you all a Happy Sarawak Day 2023! Sarawak Maju Makmur!
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
