SIBU: Sarawak’s 2026 budget to be tabled this month will be a progressive, people-centric one committed to inclusive development and welfare, says a state leader.
Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas), said this confidence was based on the state government’s ability to maintain a strong financial position while implementing sustainable, high-impact development policies.
“If Sarawak were a company, I am confident that it could be listed on the stock market,” he said at a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) event here on Monday (Nov 3) night.
“We have a strong financial record and development prospects.
“The state assembly will convene soon, and I believe the Sarawak Premier (Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg) will announce a progressive Budget 2026, perhaps the best among the states in Malaysia,” he added.
Separately, Abdullah said Abang Johari’s decision to build a Sarawak student residential complex in Kuala Lumpur was not wasteful, but rather a strategic move to meet the needs of students who face difficulties finding accommodation near their institutions.
“Many Sarawak students in Kuala Lumpur are facing problems finding suitable accommodation.
“They often brought this up in dialogue sessions with the Sarawak Premier.
“Some have to rent rooms far from campus, with rentals reaching RM700 to RM800 a month. Therefore, the government sees a need to help ease their burden,” he added.
Abdullah, who is the Semop assemblyman, said the image circulated on social media is not the actual design of the project, as the complex will be a simple gated community with basic facilities.
“Priority for placement will be given to Sarawak students,” he added.
He also said Ukas would continue to be the state government’s communications link to the people through a comprehensive engagement programme and monitoring key policies.
“The Sarawak Premier often reminds us to ensure that the people understand the government’s policies and initiatives and assess how far it has achieved its goals.
“Next year, Ukas will play an important role in explaining the implementation of free education in all Sarawak-owned universities, in addition to monitoring the performance of each ministry unit and related agency,” he said.
