Use natural resources to spur growth — CM

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Kadim (third left) is seen discussing the content of some books with Manyin (right) during a tour around the mini exhibition area. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg wants the rich natural resources in Sarawak, be they oil and gas, forest or fisheries, to be utilised more optimally, as the state moves forward towards achieving a high income status.

He reminded that this is crucial to ensure that these valuable natural assets could continue to generate streams of revenue as an impetus to long-term economic growth or even economic development of the state.

“On the other hand, we want to ensure that all ethnic groups in Sarawak will continue to enjoy the fruit of development in a peaceful and harmonious manner without jeopardising the quality of the environment and its natural resources,” he said.

“With respect to this, all state agencies are playing important roles to ensure sustainable development goals encompass all environmental, social and economic elements,” he added.

Thus, he reminded that the Sarawak Planning Unit; Natural Resources and Environment Board; Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources; Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development; and Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development have greater responsibilities to strive for sustainable and more inclusive development goal.

Abang Johari highlighted this in his text of speech read by Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong at the opening ceremony of International Conference on Development, Environment and Society (Icdes 2017) at Riverside Majestic Hotel here yesterday.

The Icdes was organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) in conjunction with Unimas Silver Jubilee celebration.

Themed ‘Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’, the two-day conference gathered 100 participants consisting of academicians, postgraduates, policymakers, industry players and representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to have scholarly discussion and exchange of ideas.

Sarawak, Abang Johari continued, remained committed to ensuring all policies devised and implemented in the state were in place to create a healthy, equitable, inclusive and sustainable ecosystem.

“In order to achieve the high income national goal, a few strategic thrusts have been pursued including creating an environment suitable for unleashing economic growth, moving towards inclusive socio-economic development and building an environment that enhances the quality of life of all people in the nation,” he said.

“In line with this, we, as policymakers in Sarawak, have greater responsibility to ensure that this largest state in Malaysia is not lagging behind compared to other states in Malaysia,” he added.

The Sarawak government, he elaborated, together with the federal government, has allocated a substantial amount of funds for infrastructure development in the state.

“Such development is part of the strategy to transform Sarawak’s traditional economy into digital economy,” he said.

“The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) is one of the five economic development corridors created by the federal government as part of an ambitious plan to stimulate investment-led growth in traditionally rural areas,” he added.

Abang Johari pointed out that this was indeed a living example of strategising a more balanced regional development by creating economic and job opportunities in initially less-developed regions in the state.

The challenge for policymakers today, he said, was on how to propel the economy to greater heights, and with more direct positive impact channelled to its local communities.

“The theme of this conference thus acts as an important reminder. It is timely held for researchers and participants to share knowledge and ideas in discussing significant issues relating to development, environment and society,” he added.

“I really hope that all forms of debate and discussion would ultimately bring benefits to the development of the nation as a whole and Sarawak in particular,” he concluded.

Earlier on, Unimas Vice Chancellor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi highlighted that it was important to put emphasis on sustainability as one of the development agendas in the process of nation building, apart from preservation of environment.

“The development approach adopted over the last few decades may not be appropriate for today’s use as the consideration is not just about physical development alone anymore,” he said in his address.

“Therefore, Unimas has made sustainable social transformation as an important part of research related to development,” he added.

Kadim shared that, according to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development 2030 Agenda, sustainable development is commonly defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.

“Indeed, it calls for concerted efforts towards building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for the society and the world,” he said.

For sustainable development to be achieved, he emphasised that it is crucial to balance the three core elements: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection.

“These elements are interconnected and all are crucial for the wellbeing of individuals and societies. Eradicating poverty in all forms and dimensions is an indispensable requirement for sustainable development,” he elaborated.

To achieve this noble goal, Kadim said there must be promotion of sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth which will create greater opportunities for all, reduce inequalities, raise basic standards of living, foster equitable social development and inclusion, and promote integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.

Unimas Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Mohd Fadzil Abd Rahman, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences Assoc Prof Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat and Icdes 2017 chairperson Dr Wong Swee Kong were present.