Sarawak's 2022 economic growth was beyond expectations, says Abang Jo

SIBU: Sarawak continues to register healthy economic growth with its 2022 revenue that was "beyond our expectation', says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

"I will announce it (revenue) sometime next week. This (revenue growth) is beyond our expectation," said the Sarawak Premier at a Chinese New Year gathering organised by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) on Saturday (Jan 28).

He added that for the past four years, Sarawak's revenue had been hitting double-digit growth.

Previously its revenue was about RM5bil to RM6bil a year. It then jumped to around RM10bil every year.

Abang Johari said Sarawak was able to prosper due to political stability in the state.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim came to Sarawak (Jan 19). He acknowledged that if you want to see a progressive and united community, see Sarawak as a model.

"He even to the extent said that Sarawak is the strongest region in Malaysia financially as well as in terms of our economic policy.

"He also acknowledged that Sarawak is charting in a new economy based on digitalisation and green energy," said Abang Johari.

According to the Premier, he had shared with Anwar how Sarawak could experience continuous economic development.

"Actually he asked me inside the car how did you do this. I said because we have a stable government.

"Number two, because of stability, the leaders can explore new ideas on how we develop Sarawak," he said.

Abang Johari said the Malaysia Madani concept instituted by the Prime Minister was also befitting for Sarawak which had a stable government and where its people understand each other's culture and religion.

"This is specifically what the Prime Minister said Madani which is exactly our approach where we work together, we respect and help each other," he added.

The Premier also announced that a new city hall was in the works for Miri and Sibu municipal councils.