4 pct growth per year not enough

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Taib, with two officers before him, inspects the main guard-of-honour.

Taib, with two officers before him, inspects the main guard-of-honour.

MIRI: The state economy needs to increase its growth to achieve the fully-developed status target by 2030.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem observed that the four-per cent annual growth rate recorded over the past several years was not ‘rapid enough’.

According to him, the ideal annual growth rate should be 6.5 per cent.

“Yes, it’s a big number and we need to work hard to attain it. We cannot rely solely on the oil and gas sector, and also the agriculture commodities.

“We must explore new resources to boost the economic growth of Sarawak. I am confident that there is a great potential in this,” he said in his address at the parade held to mark the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s 80th birthday celebration at Miri Stadium yesterday.

Taib was accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Dato Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib.

Adding on, Adenan pointed out that despite the economic uncertainties and the drop in oil prices, Sarawak’s economy still managed to register a four-per cent economic growth last year, with GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of RM122 billion and earnings per capita of RM45,000.

He added that the state government had been prudent in its spending, as shown by the award of ‘Clean Bill of Health’ from the Auditor-General it had received for the past 13 consecutive years.

“Nevertheless, the state government will continue its focus on development, especially on infrastructure, public facilities and basic amenities for the rural communities.

“The attention will also be on improving the quality of life of Sarawakians, and ensuring that their welfare and wellbeing would be taken care of.”

Meanwhile, Adenan hailed Taib for his vision in transforming the state during his tenure as chief minister.

“He (Taib) was the first to introduce the politics of development to ensure that the energy and human resources of Sarawak would be utilised wisely and comprehensively towards state’s progress.

“Sir, you have spent more than 50 years of your lifetime to serve Sarawak and the country. Now, it’s only apt for you to be Sarawak’s ‘Citizen No. 1’ and become a beacon of unity and progress for the people of Sarawak,”

Also present at the parade were Adenan’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan who was also the minister in charge of the event, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ismawi Ismuni, Protocol and Public Relations Unit (under Chief Minister’s Department) director Datuk

Khir Busrah, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis and local dignitaries .

A total of 80 contingents from government departments, uniformed bodies and non-governmental organisations took part in the parade.