In a visionary move aimed at steering Sarawak towards a prosperous and sustainable future, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg recently led the Sarawak GLC Leadership 2024 Forum. From January 26 to 29, the event was a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration between Government Linked Companies (GLCs) and Statutory Bodies to pursue the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
The forum commenced with a presentation on the PCDS 2030 by an Advisor in the Department of the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Jaul Samion. Premier Sarawak set the tone by emphasizing the necessity of cooperation between GLC leaders and Statutory Bodies, asserting that it is fundamental for driving innovation and ensuring the efficient implementation of government initiatives.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, in his keynote address, stressed the need for a united front, stating, “When we collaborate and coordinate our efforts, we can achieve greater impact and build a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future while ensuring that Sarawak remains a prosperous state for generations to come.”
Throughout the forum, leaders engaged in substantive discussions to understand each other’s needs and aspirations. The Premier highlighted the significance of an environment that facilitates the free flow of ideas, fostering collaboration to overcome collective challenges. He underscored the forum’s unique feature of an open question-and-answer session, enabling direct interaction and the exchange of views among leaders.
Premier Sarawak that collaboration between the Sarawak government and GLCs is a linchpin strategy outlined in PCDS 2030, essential for long-term development success. He encapsulated this sentiment: “We must work as a team to develop Sarawak and must have the same direction. If we unite to lift Sarawak, we will be strong in the Malaysian federation.”
When the forum addressed concerns regarding the state’s major infrastructure development plans, the Premier also assured participants that the state government would seek the locals’ consent before implementing power-generating cascading dams, emphasising the importance of engaging with affected communities. He said, “That’s why we are here in the hope that we can form cooperation based on PCDS 2030 and indirectly foster unity. I want everyone to take note and know what the Sarawak government is working on this.”
Looking ahead, Premier Sarawak shared plans for Sarawak to export a maximum of one gigawatt of power to Singapore, signalling the region’s commitment to renewable energy. He expressed confidence that the availability of renewable and comparatively low power costs would propel Sarawak’s economic growth.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari concluded by challenging traditional economic measures, emphasizing the PCDS 2030’s role in ensuring inclusive wealth distribution for all Sarawakians. He stated, “Development goals should not only be measured in terms of GDP growth but, more importantly, whether the generation of the economy could benefit people across the board.”
Organized jointly by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), and Sarawak Center of Performance Excellence (SCOPE), the Sarawak GLC Leadership 2024 Forum stands as a testament to Sarawak’s commitment to collaborative and sustainable development. With Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari at the helm, the state is poised to lead the charge towards a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future.
