KUCHING, Dec 1: The State Government, under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is committed towards building an inclusive, prosperous and harmonious society under its ethos of Sarawak First.
“I am glad to see Sarawak economy is picking up and on track of recovery as we move towards endemicity.
“However, we will not rest on our laurels. We will continue to bring more development to Sarawak and fight against all odds and challenges that may come our way,” Abang Johari said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Thursday.
He said Sarawak as a whole needs to focus on improving its work efficiency and culture to achieve higher productivity and GDP growth, as well as enhancing its competitiveness of its commercial and industrial sectors.
“GPS Government will continue to provide the impetus for driving Sarawak’s economic growth by improving basic infrastructure, connectivity and accessibility, development of talents and digital economy.
“This will create opportunities for fellow Sarawakians to participate in our industrial development especially in resource-based industry,” he said.
He said the state government has established PETROS in 2017, and presently it has grown to be the third largest oil and gas company in Malaysia.
Similarly, Abang Johari said that the state government is also committed of putting Sarawak First via the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund Ordinance, 2022 (SSWFF Ordinance).
“I am happy to note that everyone seems to understand the intention, concept and the rational of the establishment of this investment fund through the SSWFF Ordinance.
“The SSWFF Ordinance does not operate in derogation of other laws. The penalties under the Ordinance is intended to punish those who are negligent in the management of the fund as well as for non-compliance of any requirements under the Ordinance,” he added.
The Premier said offenders would not only be punished under the ordinance but will also be subjected to other laws relating to criminal offences such as the Penal Code (Act 574) and the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694).
He stressed that GPS Government will ensure strict and heavy penalty to be enforced on Board of Guardian if they are found guilty of misappropriation of fund, or acting recklessly or negligently in the discharge of their fiduciary duties to the Board and its stakeholders.
“Rest assured, the Government is serious in its intentions to manage this fund in accordance with the Santiago Principles and to uphold transparency and good governance in the management of this fund.
“The Government will strictly monitor the implementation and governance of the fund and will take any action to ensure the smooth and transparent management of the fund,” he said. – TVS
