KUCHING – The Sarawak Government has pledged to prioritise development funding using its own resources, ensuring that citizens benefit from essential projects without waiting for allocations from the Federal Government.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the state must act decisively to meet the needs of its people, particularly in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
He explained that Sarawak cannot rely entirely on federal allocations, stressing that the state’s proactive approach would guarantee comprehensive benefits for its citizens.
“For example, regarding the Cancer Centre, the Sarawak Government prioritised RM1 billion because our citizens suffering from cancer cannot wait any longer,” he said.
The Premier added that Sarawak had agreed to advance the funding for the construction of the centre, with the Federal Government expected to reimburse later. However, the state will cover the cost of medical equipment itself to ensure timely delivery of services.
Abang Johari made these remarks during a forum at the 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
He emphasised that the same principle applies to upgrading underprivileged schools and health clinics, which are normally under federal responsibility but have been advanced by the Sarawak Government to avoid delays.
He highlighted that billions of ringgit have already been invested in road and bridge infrastructure to improve connectivity across the state.
These projects, he said, not only provide safer transport networks but also stimulate economic opportunities for local communities, thereby increasing household incomes.
The Premier linked these initiatives to the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which outlines Sarawak’s vision for inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.
By accelerating development, the state aims to uplift rural communities and ensure equitable access to modern facilities.
Abang Johari reiterated that the government’s approach is rooted in the principle of putting people first. “We want to help the people, even if we have to pay for the construction first,” he said, underlining Sarawak’s determination to prioritise citizens’ welfare.
The forum was attended by several prominent figures, including former Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu Numpang, Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers, Datu Dr Azhar Ahmad, CEO of the Sarawak Public Service Leadership Institute, and Dato (Dr) Salihin Abang, founder and managing partner of Salihin Group Management.
The Premier’s remarks reinforced Sarawak’s commitment to self-reliance in development, ensuring that citizens benefit from timely projects in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
