Today, July 22 is Sarawak Day, an appropriate historical event to depict the common ambition of the people to develop Sarawak to become a successful and prosperous modern State in the Federation. It was on this day 57 years ago that Sarawak attained its internal self –government from Great Britain as the Colonial power.
A local, Stephen Kalong Ningkan was sworn as the Chief Minister to lead a six –member State Cabinet to administer the Sarawak. Its immediate task was to prepare Sarawak to become part of the new Federation of Malaysia.
Sarawak, as a state in the Federation of Malaysia has achieved tremendous progress during the last 57 years due to the sustained development agenda of the State Government in serving the welfare and interests of the Rakyat.
The success is also attributable to the maturity and wisdom of the State leaders in politics since Independence in 1963 that serves as the bacborne of the progress and prosperity of Sarawak. They have been able to articulate local political issues in the common struggle to push for the development of the State.
Sarawak economy has been growing in spite of the uncertainty in the global economy. For example, Sarawak experienced a growth of 4.6 % in 2018. The positive growth is being supported by strong economic base, good administration and efficient financial management. This is being accorded good financial rating by accredited rating agencies.
The State Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abg. Haji Johari Tun Openg, for example, has been implementing 65 develeopment initiatives and programs, which cover the economic sector to raise the revenue of the State since January 13, 2017. The development initiatives also cover providing comprehensive basic amenities, the setting up of strategic institutions, development of digital economy and human resource.
The positive economic growth has opened up more business and employment opportunities in the State. In this regards, all concerned including the private sector are encouraged to participate actively in the development of the economy in the efforts to develop Sarawak to become a developed state with high income economy by the year 2030.
The people must all be grateful that Sarawak remains stable and peaceful State as the people, inspite of their diverse differences in terms of ethnicities, religious beliefs and backgrounds, are tolerant of each other and having a strong bond of friendship among them. Generally, the people uphold the spirit of mutual trust and respect that provides a strong impetus for their unity and solidarity.
Sarawak Terus Cemerlang!!
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