Abang Johari gestures when delivering his keynote address during the GPS Convention. – Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (April 19): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he will look into ways to help the business community during this challenging time.

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman said he would deliberate on the matter with various business representatives.

“I will discuss with chambers of commerce on how to help the business community,” he said when delivering his keynote address during the GPS Convention 2026 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here on Sunday.

Last Thursday (April 16), the Premier announced an increase in the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) allocation as part of a special assistance package to help people cope with the impact of the ongoing Middle East turmoil.

He also announced, among others, a 25 per cent discount on domestic electricity bills until December this year, but no initiative was introduced to help the business sector, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

According to Abang Johari, GPS remains committed to strengthening service delivery and focusing on what needs to be done.

“We don’t talk much. We focus on our work.”

Earlier, he recalled GPS’ achievements since its inauguration following Barisan Nasional’s (BN) devastating election defeats in the 2018 parliamentary elections.

He said Sarawak became an opposition state after the 2018 general polls, yet “we had no fear but set out to establish GPS to defend our rights, develop Sarawak and champion what is rightfully ours”.

He added that he had carried on the legacy of his predecessor the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem to ensure Sarawak remained united in fighting for its rights.

“As we worked hard for Sarawak’s rights, there came Covid-19, causing an economic slowdown in light of movement control. After the pandemic, we brought together economic experts and NGOs to formulate our Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, focusing on six economic sectors and seven key enablers.

“We have a mechanism to enable us to achieve what we set out to do. That our GDP (gross domestic product) must be lifted and various sectors improved to contribute to our economic and social development,” he said.

Abang Johari said Bantuan Ibu Bersalin (BIB), Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) and financial assistance for Sarawakian students to repay their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans are among the policies offered by the state government to eligible individuals.

He noted that Sarawak had moved away from the traditional economy, with more people now using e-wallets such as S Pay Global.

“When we first introduced the digital economy, some quarters ridiculed our initiative, but Covid-19 proved that we are headed in the right direction.

“In Sarawak, many have opted for cashless payment. I went to Satok Market, old and young, all scanned the QR code to make payment. Our people have embraced technology,” he said.

He also took pride in Sarawak’s implementation of a five per cent sales tax on petroleum products, which has enabled the state to generate RM4 billion in additional revenue annually.

He recalled that while Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) had initially challenged the policy in court, Sarawak successfully defended its rights under the existing legal framework.

More importantly, Abang Johari said the State Legislative Assembly had endorsed the establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund, aimed at safeguarding and building financial wealth for future generations.

“We won’t touch this fund for 20 years. In 20 years’ time, I may not be around, but our children will benefit from it. I’ve fulfilled my responsibility to safeguard the future of our children,” he added.