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Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak DUN wraps up session with six Bills passed, senator reappointed
Sharifah Hasidah moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): The first meeting of the fourth session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), which saw the passing of six bills and the approval of a motion to reappoint a member to the Dewan Negara, was adjourned sine die at 5.13pm today. Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. On May 20, three bills were passed – starting with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The Bill aims to strengthen the state's biodiversity governance, ensuring it remains effective, sustainable, and economically viable. It also empowers Sarawak to harness its rich biological resources while promoting the commercialisation of scientific advancements. The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Deputy Premier and Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, was also passed on the same day. Awang Tengah said the amendments were essential in strengthening Sarawak's land management and administration, ensuring it remains efficient, adaptable and aligned with the current best practice and standards for governance. Also passed on May 20 was the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by Deputy Premier and State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The amendment facilitates an increase in the number of councillors in several local authorities across Sarawak, including the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Miri City Council (MCC), as well as three municipal councils namely Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS). The number of councillors for each of these councils would be increased to 33 from 30, excluding the mayor and deputy mayor for the city councils; and the chairman and deputy chairman for the municipal councils. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas tabled the remaining three bills – the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025, which was passed on May 21, along with the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill 2025 and Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill 2025, both passed on May 22. The Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025 seeks to dissolve the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund, which has been deemed redundant in view of today's economic landscape. The trust fund, which was set up in 1985, served as a revolving fund consisting of money appropriated from time to time from the State Consolidated Fund into the trust fund for the purpose of building certain basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supplies to any development area. The august House also unanimously passed two Supplementary Supply Bills involving a total of RM391,429,717 for additional expenditures that were not covered in previous allocations. The Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill allocates RM153,769,197 to meet the cost of various services incurred by various ministries and departments for which funds were not provided for or insufficiently provided for in the 2024 estimates. The Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill provides RM237,660,520, including RM100 million required by the Sarawak Premier's Department to cater for rental of air-charter services due to increased activities. On May 22, the DUN also approved a motion to reappoint Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, 56, as a member of the Dewan Negara for a second term. The motion was proposed by Deputy Premier and Bukit Sari assemblyman, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and seconded by Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah assemblyman, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Ahmad's current term, which began on July 22, 2022, is set to expire on July 21, 2025. His new appointment will take effect the following day. During the sitting, a total of 320 questions, both written and oral, were submitted by 41 honourable members. Meanwhile, Sharifah Hasidah, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of maintaining the dignity and integrity of the DUN as the highest legislative authority in the state. 'All laws passed in this House must be respected, enforceable, and recognised without doubt. Let there be no question about their legitimacy,' she said. Sharifah also spoke of Sarawak's achievements on local, national, and international fronts. Citing the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, she reiterated the state's ambition to become a high-income economy and Asean's energy powerhouse. She praised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's leadership, noting Sarawak's increasing recognition as a hub for green energy and hydrogen innovation on the global stage. On the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Sharifah reaffirmed Sarawak's unwavering commitment to asserting its constitutional rights. 'We will pursue our rights within the parameters of the law, guided by the Federal Constitution, MA63, the IGC Report, and Sarawak's State Constitution,' she said. Meanwhile, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar commended the cooperation and decorum demonstrated by assembly members. 'This eight-day sitting proceeded smoothly and with great order, thanks to everyone's dedication in upholding the sanctity of this august House,' he said. adjourned Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak DUN lead
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak targets seamless 13MP execution with IRBM, value management, says Premier
Abang Johari explains that IRBM would serve as the foundation of the framework by ensuring that all projects align with Sarawak's 2030 development goals through strategic planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): The Sarawak government will implement a comprehensive delivery framework to ensure the successful execution of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for the state's development from 2026 to 2030, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the framework would incorporate Integrated Results-Based Management (IRBM), Results-Based Budgeting, and Value Management to enable seamless coordination and performance monitoring of all initiatives under the plan. 'A strong plan alone is not enough. Sarawak's future depends on how well we execute it and how accountable we are in delivering results. 'To ensure the success of the 13MP, we will implement a comprehensive delivery framework, incorporating Integrated Results-Based Management (IRBM), Results-Based Budgeting and Value Management for seamless coordination and performance monitoring,' he said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today. He explained that IRBM would serve as the foundation of the framework by ensuring that all projects align with Sarawak's 2030 development goals through strategic planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation. 'Results-Based Budgeting will enhance resource efficiency, linking funding to measurable outcomes,' he added. Abang Johari also stressed that every proposed project under the 13MP would undergo rigorous evaluation at the entry point to ensure its viability, readiness, and accurate cost estimation. 'Additionally, through Value at Entry, every proposed project will undergo a thorough assessment to ensure viability, readiness, and accurate cost estimation, reducing delays and improving execution,' he said. According to the Premier, Sarawak's 13MP will be driven by 10 high-level strategies and a reinforced focus on 15 socio-economic sectors and enablers in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'The 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030) serves as a crucial planning framework that reinforces our long-term vision,' he said. 'As we stand at the midpoint of PCDS 2030 and the final year of the 12th Malaysia Plan, we must now advance with speed, clarity and purpose.' He noted that the 13MP is designed to ensure Sarawak's development strategies and actions remain consistent with its aspirations, and are responsive to evolving economic, social, and governance dynamics. Among the 10 high-level strategies outlined are accelerating the clean energy transition, building a high-quality and inclusive society, optimising land use, attracting strategic industries, enhancing public safety and disaster preparedness, and fostering a strong and resilient Bumiputera business community. 13MP abang johari DUN IRBM
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to digitalise all 1,106 state govt services by 2030, says Premier
Abang Johari in his winding-up speech during the DUN sitting today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): The Sarawak government is targeting to have all 1,106 of its services fully accessible online by the year 2030 as part of efforts to enhance service delivery to the people, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting today, Abang Johari said digitalisation is crucial in the state's transition into a high-income and developed region. 'As we work towards becoming a high-income and developed region, digitalisation helps us deliver services quicker, cut bureaucratic red tape, make data-driven decisions and ease business activities. 'Thus, I have set an ambitious target for the Sarawak Civil Service – by the year 2030, all 1,106 government services must be fully accessible online. This will lead to greater efficiency and higher productivity for service delivery,' he said. Abang Johari also congratulated the Sarawak Civil Service for achieving the digitalisation of 55 per cent of government services in 2024, ahead of the 2025 target set under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our civil service and the growing momentum behind our digital transformation,' he said. He added that the move will bring real benefits to the people by making government services more accessible, faster, and more transparent. 'These initiatives are only the beginning. We will continue to enhance our services with urgency, responsibility and discipline, enhancing our services to benefit the rakyat and the business community,' he said. Abang Johari said the transformation of service delivery is supported by a civil service that is agile, competent, and future-ready. 'It is through the professionalism and discipline of our officers that our policies are translated into various projects and programmes, effectively delivering meaningful outcomes for the rakyat,' he said. He said the state government remains committed to upskilling civil servants and providing opportunities for global exposure and professional development. Among these efforts include sending senior officers to institutions such as Harvard University, Cambridge University, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Oxford University, and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. 'This year, 19 accountants in the Sarawak Civil Service will begin their studies under the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), sponsored by the GPS Government,' he added. The Premier also led a recent delegation to LSE where discussions focused on long-term collaboration in executive education, joint research, and policy leadership training in climate, energy, and public policy. 'We are now working with LSE to integrate environmental economics, sustainable finance, and ESG principles into our civil service development,' he said. He further emphasised the importance of governance and integrity, noting that Sarawak currently has the highest number of certified Integrity Officers among Malaysian states. 'Ultimately, we want to build a strong society in Sarawak where trust, honesty, and accountability guide every action and decision,' he said. Abang Johari concluded by calling on all civil servants to carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism. 'The journey ahead is challenging, but with the spirit of unity and professionalism, we will succeed together,' he said. abang johari digital DUN government services
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
RM464.5 mln disbursed to 758,483 SKAS recipients through S Pay Global, says Premier
he said the initiative has significantly impacted the daily lives of Sarawakians. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): A total of RM464.5 million has been disbursed to 758,483 recipients under the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) initiative through S Pay Global, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today, he said the initiative has significantly impacted the daily lives of Sarawakians. 'This initiative not only helps reduce the cost of living, but also stimulates household spending and supports community economic growth, particularly for small traders and retail operators,' he said. He noted that SKAS, launched under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government early this year, goes beyond physical infrastructure development by focusing on the well-being of the people across all socio-economic aspects. 'The Sarawak government remains committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable development. Our principle is clear – no one should be left behind in the wave of progress.' Abang Johari added that SKAS has also accelerated digital adoption at the grassroots level, with village committees, youth associations and women's bureaus actively using digital platforms to manage activities, disseminate information and promote local products online. 'Previously focused mainly in urban areas, the use of S Pay Global has now expanded into rural areas, increasing the efficiency and visibility of local organisations and encouraging participation in the digital economy,' he said. He said the initiative contributed towards forming a digitally literate society capable of applying technology and adapting to the evolving digital landscape. On the education front, Abang Johari reiterated the state government's focus on human capital development, in line with Sarawak's transition towards a new economy. He said strategic discussions were held with the University of Cambridge during the state government's recent working visit to the United Kingdom to prepare Sarawakian talents for future challenges. 'As we build the foundations of the new economy, we must ensure our people are equipped with the right education and skills to be active participants, not just beneficiaries, of this economic transformation,' he said. He added that the state government's commitment includes free tertiary education starting in 2026 for deserving students, as well as for Sarawakians under 40 who wish to resume full-time studies. 'This is not just a policy. It is a promise to our industries that Sarawak will have a talented, skilled and future-ready workforce. And most importantly, a promise to ourselves that we will build a Sarawak where talent, not wealth, determines success,' he said.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak's energy policies to unlock up to RM430 bln investments, create 44,000 jobs
Abang Johari says the initiatives form part of Sarawak's broader strategy to become a regional renewable energy powerhouse. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): The Sarawak government's new energy policies are expected to unlock investment opportunities worth between RM350 billion and RM430 billion, while creating approximately 44,000 new high-value jobs in the energy sector for Sarawakians. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiatives form part of Sarawak's broader strategy to become a regional renewable energy powerhouse. 'These jobs will be generated by new industries, which can boost opportunities for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), attract domestic and foreign direct investments, and strengthen our regional and global competitiveness,' he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. He added that the policies would also support Sarawak's long-term goals of economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and energy security. Among the key policies to be introduced are the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint, the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), and the Sarawak Energy Efficiency Roadmap. Abang Johari said energy security is a cornerstone of Sarawak's ambition for rapid and inclusive economic development, especially as demand rises with the state's growing population and industrial base. He noted that Sarawak has set a target for renewable energy to account for 60 to 70 per cent of its energy mix by 2035, in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the forthcoming SET-P. 'Sarawak is developing four strategic energy hubs – the Renewable Energy Hub, Natural Gas Hub, Hydrogen Hub, and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Hub – each playing a complementary role in ensuring long-term energy security,' he said. To support the state's ambition of achieving 10 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, Abang Johari said the state will continue to develop renewable energy projects through the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. He also announced a major restructuring of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), which will see the separation of power generation and distribution. Under this model, the private sector will participate in power generation, while SEB will remain the single buyer for electricity distribution. 'SEB must be empowered to evolve in support of Sarawak's energy ambitions. This restructuring is key to ensuring SEB is fully able to drive Sarawak's vision of becoming both a Battery of Asean and a renewable energy powerhouse,' he said. He highlighted that large-scale solar, bioenergy, and waste-to-energy projects are already drawing strong private sector interest, but infrastructural challenges such as feedstock aggregation and grid modernisation must be addressed. In a further move to bolster Sarawak's position in the global energy market, Abang Johari said Sarawak is advancing hydrogen-ready technologies, including a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facility, to improve energy efficiency and enhance interconnections with neighbouring regions like Sabah and Brunei. On the international front, the Premier said the World Economic Forum (WEF) has recognised Sarawak's leadership in the green transition and invited him to present Sarawak's energy agenda at the WEF Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China on June 26. He also revealed that Bintulu has been nominated as Malaysia's first candidate for the WEF's Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) initiative. 'Transitioning industrial clusters are geographic areas where co-located businesses and industries collaborate to transition from traditional practices to cleaner, low-carbon operations aligned with net-zero goals,' he said. 'We are not just preparing for recognition in Davos early next year, we are laying the foundation for Sarawak to stand among global leaders in shaping the low-carbon industrial future,' he added. abang johari DUN lead new energy
