Taib says Abang Johari’s forward-looking vision will lead Sarawak to bright future
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (fourth left) along with Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (fourth right), State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar (right), Tanjong Datu assemblywoman Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu (second right) and others pose for a group photograph outside the DUN Complex during the opening of the First Session of the Second Term of 18th DUN sitting.
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg receives a vote of confidence from Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who says Sarawak is heading in the right direction with him helming the state government.
Taib expressed confidence that with his forward-looking vision Abang Johari will steer Sarawak to a brighter future.
“I welcome the measures taken by the state government in implementing various new initiatives on economic development,” he said in his opening address for the First Session of the Second Term of the 18th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday.
To cope with the rapid digital technology advancement, he pointed out that the government’s decision to develop the digital economy was timely and essential to ensure Sarawak remain globally competent.
“Sarawak must move in line with the development on global level knowing that information, communication and technology or ICT are rapidly growing and changing,” Taib added.
“As such, we must help Sarawak leapfrog to a creative and innovative economy and prepare our people to seize the opportunities in the digital economy.”
Digital economy exploration, Taib highlighted, will become the new source of economic growth for Sarawak which will open up more opportunities for the people especially the younger generation to get involved in the borderless e-commerce and e-learning market.
“A complete ICT infrastructure development is therefore important for a successful digital economic development. In this, I am delighted that the state government will expand the ICT infrastructure not only in the urban areas but also the rural areas,” he said.
He noted that the government has various ICT-based initiatives to equip and prepare the people for the digital economy era such as Digital Village, e-Commerce and e-Learning.
Taib expressed optimism that the government will continue to enhance the prospects and performance of all sectors with added value, including tourism and high tech downstream industry.
“More efforts are needed to develop the tourism sector especially infrastructure-wise, tourism products, human capital as well as active promotion of Sarawak as an attractive destination in the world.
“Technology advancement and research have brought about drastic change to the industries development in the world. So we must move in line with the global trend in order to attract more large scale investment in high tech industry,” he said.
In this uncertain global economic situation, Taib emphasised the need to take strategic steps to spur the economic growth of Sarawak.
“I am glad that the state’s economy continued to grow with low inflation last year. The rate of the state’s economic growth is expected to be between 3.5 and four per cent this year, in line with the growth of Malaysia’s economy. The inflation rate is under three per cent,” he noted.
In addition, he said the state government’s transformation programme for the long term until 2030 which will be implemented by a comprehensive strategic action plan will ensure Sarawak get on the right track.
“The setting up of three cabinet committees for Socio-Economic Transformation, Rural Area Transformation and Performance and Service Delivery Transformation will ensure all initiatives in the transformation programme are successfully implemented,” he added.