Taib (third left) inspecting the Guard of Honour mounted by the GOF 11th Battalion. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Sarawak still requires more and bigger allocations under Malaysia’s five-year development plans to allow more programmes and projects to be implemented in order to improve the standard of living and welfare of the people.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said this when addressing the first sitting of the fifth term of the 17th State Legislative Assembly at the DUN Complex here yesterday.
He hoped all development projects and programmes under the 10th Malaysia Plan (MP), which is now in its final year, can be completed for the benefit of the people.
“It is also my hope to see the government’s success in implementing those plans continues into the 11th MP, which will be the last five-year plan before Malaysia achieves status of a developed nation in year 2020,” he said. With the close and strong relations between the state and federal government, he was optimistic that more allocations would be channelled to hasten the development of the state in the 11th MP.
“The unity and understanding demonstrated the maturity of both the state and federal governments since the formation of Malaysia 51 years ago,” he pointed out.
“This is clearly shown with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak making frequent visits to witness for himself the development of the state and taking the opportunity to mingle with the people,” he added.
On Sarawak’s economy, Taib said it grew by five per cent last year as the state’s economic fundamentals remained strong and so would be able to overcome the global economic uncertainty.
“Such encouraging achievements are the results of proper and wise economic planning and financial management of the state government, apart from the diversifying economic activities where the manufacturing and service sectors have contributed 64 per cent to the state’s economy,” he said.
“Both the sectors have also created 59 per cent employment opportunities in last year alone,” he added.
With Sarawak becoming a favourable investment destination, Taib pointed out that the positive increase in private investments especially through foreign direct investment would continue to help in the growth of the state’s economy.
Highlighting the rapid development of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), Taib was satisfied with the government’s efforts to implement various programmes and projects to lure more private investments.
“The infrastructure development in SCORE area is important as it also benefitted the rural people,” he said.
“We are very fortunate to have so many multinational and local companies operating in SCORE especially in the Samalaju Industrial Park as their presence enhanced the image of SCORE as a choice investment destination for both local and foreign investors,” he added.
The economy of Sarawak, he said, would continue to add value with the entry of high technology industries that in turn could open up more and further opportunities for the people in the state.
“I call on the people to support the government in their efforts to develop SCORE. The people should also be actively involved especially to seize business and employment opportunities that have been created,” he advised.
In the face of weak economic conditions globally with lower commodity prices and weaker ringgit, he urged the people to have confidence in the ability of the Malaysian government to overcome various issues in these challenging times.
“The government had taken several proactive measures to review the national fiscal and financial policy by making adjustment in the budget and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST),” he said.
“I believe that these measures will prepare an accommodating and conducive economic environment to strengthen and grow our nation’s economy,” he added.