Wan Junaidi calls for private sector to drive Sarawak's economic transformation
KUCHING (May 19): Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the private sector to play an active role and contribute to the government's efforts in implementing high-impact initiatives aimed at transforming Sarawak's economic landscape.
He said the people must also be ready to seize the job and business opportunities that will be generated from government-initiated programmes and projects.
In his opening address at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today, the Head of State said Sarawak is increasingly standing out with its impressive achievements as a progressive region in Malaysia, marked by political stability, clear and forward-looking economic policies, and prudent fiscal management.
'At the international level, Sarawak is gaining recognition and attention as a strategic investment destination in the region, particularly in emerging economic sectors.
'I fully support the Sarawak government's continued efforts to attract high-quality investments by leveraging the state's competitive advantages and strategic geographical position.
'This includes strengthening the investment ecosystem through improvements in basic infrastructure and logistics services in Sarawak. Proposals to build new ports and airports are timely and in line with the goal of establishing Sarawak as a regional logistics hub,' he said.
He also congratulated the Sarawak government for successfully taking over the Bintulu Port Authority and acquiring MASwings as a Sarawak-owned airline, which has been rebranded as AirBorneo.
'This strategic move will undoubtedly strengthen Sarawak's ambitions to become a regional logistics hub, thereby boosting the state's economy through trade, industry, and tourism.'
Earlier, Wan Junaidi paid tribute to the country's fifth Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi whom he described as a visionary leader who cared deeply for the wellbeing of the people.
'During his leadership, five economic development corridors were launched in Malaysia. One of them was the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) which was launched on February 11, 2008.
'The establishment of SCORE succeeded in attracting both foreign and domestic investments, particularly in the Samalaju Industrial Park, which provided many employment and economic opportunities for the people of Sarawak,' he said.
He said Abdullah's passing was a great loss to the nation and that his invaluable contributions, particularly to Sarawak, were immeasurable and will always be remembered.
Abdullah passed away at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on April 14 at the age of 85.
Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah helmed the country's premiership from Oct 31, 2003, until April 3, 2009, following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
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