KUCHING — YB Billy Sujang, ADUN N.01 Opar, delivered a firm and confident speech in the august Dewan Undangan Negeri as he voiced his full support for the Supply (2026) Bill, 2025, describing it as a “strategic roadmap” that empowers people, drives prosperity and prepares Sarawak for a resilient future.
He opened his address by congratulating Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar on his reappointment as Speaker, acknowledging him as the longest-serving Speaker in the nation and “perhaps in the world.” He also extended congratulations to the Premier of Sarawak on his prestigious conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by the Emperor of Japan — an honour that reflects Sarawak’s rising influence at the global level.
YB Billy said the 2026 Budget reflects the government’s discipline, responsibility and firm commitment to protecting the wellbeing of the rakyat. Despite global uncertainties, including falling crude oil prices and shifting global trade policies, Sarawak has remained economically strong due to prudent management and diversified revenue streams. He noted the state’s projected revenue of RM13.1 billion and a surplus of RM144 million, which he described as a clear sign of responsible governance.
A major part of his address focused on rural development, especially in his constituency of Opar. He emphasised that the allocations for agriculture, irrigation, aquaculture, farm infrastructure and cattle development will significantly benefit rural communities. He highlighted the RM20 million allocation for the Metropolitan Food Cluster (MFC) project in Kampung Stungkor, calling it a “transformational initiative” that will modernise agriculture, create jobs and uplift rural households.
YB Billy also touched on the importance of improving paddy fields across several villages under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA). He urged the relevant agencies to expedite planning, design and tender processes so that the long-approved projects can finally begin. For Opar, he said the Kampung Jangkar paddy field — the largest at about 900 hectares — must be prioritised to strengthen Sarawak’s rice security.
On education, YB Billy described the Premier’s announcement on free tertiary education in state-owned universities beginning 2026 as “historic and transformative.” He said the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will ensure no Sarawakian child is denied higher education due to financial limitations. He also highlighted the government’s support for students through free laptops, book vouchers, flight subsidies, living assistance and tuition support.
He welcomed the strengthening of TVET programmes, including Sarawak’s emerging semiconductor industry, which he believes will drive the state toward achieving the goals of PCDS 2030 and producing a highly skilled workforce.
YB Billy emphasised that Sarawak is being positioned as a regional economic powerhouse, with industrial parks, trade offices, SME empowerment programmes and entrepreneurship support rolling out across the state. He said these initiatives will expand opportunities for young rural entrepreneurs, particularly in online business platforms such as TikTok Shop and Facebook Online.
On environmental sustainability, he praised the state government for taking bold steps to strengthen climate governance. He highlighted allocations for the Climate Change Roadmap, Net Zero Strategy, carbon levy implementation and sustainable environmental management. He further stressed the need for sincerity and consistency in waste segregation efforts, saying that segregation at home becomes meaningless when all rubbish is compacted together during collection.
Infrastructure development also formed a major portion of his speech. YB Billy appealed for urgent upgrades to three key roads in Opar: Jalan Kampung Pasir Tengah, the road linking to the new Selampit Bridge, and Jalan Selampit Bitokan. He stressed that these roads are vital for safety, connectivity and long-term community development, especially with the Selampit Bridge nearing completion.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Premier for the establishment of GKCDA, which has accelerated many development projects in Opar, including water systems, agricultural roads, futsal courts, village halls, drainage systems and other essential facilities.
Looking forward, YB Billy called for the establishment of a new Opar Township, citing the area’s rising population, growing economic activities and the presence of major ongoing projects. He said a modern and well-planned township would unlock Opar’s full potential in agriculture, cross-border trade, tourism and community development.
He also raised the long-standing issue of NCR land surveying in Opar, urging the government to allocate dedicated funds for faster surveying and issuance of documentation. Villagers, he said, deserve certainty and security over land that has belonged to their families for generations.
In closing, YB Billy said the 2026 Budget is not just about numbers but about securing a prosperous and resilient future for Sarawak. He praised the dedication of government officers, community leaders, councillors and elected representatives who continue to serve the people faithfully.
As the year comes to an end, he took the opportunity to wish all Christian friends a blessed Christmas and extended New Year greetings to the people of Sarawak. He expressed confidence that the Premier’s closing remarks will bring good news for hardworking government servants and hoped that elected representatives’ allocations would be increased to RM3 million to account for rising project costs.
The debate, he stressed, reflects a shared aspiration: to build a future where every Sarawakian — regardless of background or location — enjoys equal opportunity, shared progress and long-term stability.
