CIVIL SERVICE MUST TRANSFORM TO DRIVE SARAWAK’S FUTURE ECONOMY - ABANG JOHARI

KUCHING, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged the state civil service to embrace structural and mindset transformation to remain relevant and effective in steering Sarawak’s next phase of economic growth.

He said the role of the government and its agencies has evolved from being merely job creators to becoming facilitators of economic activities driven by the private sector and government-linked companies (GLCs).

“The civil service must be ready to change its overall approach and structure to become a partner to those in the private sector.

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“The economic engine must be driven by the private sector and the government agencies that work like the private sector. Then you can be competitive...and in return give dividends to the government,” he said when officiating the Sarawak Corporate Leadership Summit 2025 here today.

Abang Johari said GLCs and government agencies must operate with private-sector efficiency, focusing on productivity, returns on investment and competitiveness in order to sustain long-term growth.

He said that fiscal discipline and sound governance are vital to ensure Sarawak’s financial resilience, noting that the state’s sovereign wealth fund was established to safeguard future generations and prevent overreliance on debt.

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“And in terms of the government itself, we will have to change the way we spend our money. The revenue expenditure and revenue share must be balanced; otherwise, we will be in debt. 

“If a government keeps raising bonds, it means we are in debt, so the government has to be careful not to raise debt,” he said, adding that the state continues to record a strong fiscal position and surplus revenue.

On the broader economic front, the premier highlighted that global energy transition and climate challenges are opening new opportunities for Sarawak to lead in renewable energy, particularly in the production of green hydrogen.

“Hydrogen would become the key energy of the future, replacing fossil fuels. If that happens, then the market will be controlled by hydrogen. Those who have hydrogen become the main player.

“Sarawak has abundant rivers and water resources (to produce clean energy). What will happen between now and 2035 is that Sarawak can become the new Saudi Arabia (as a main player of clean hydrogen),” he said.

Abang Johari also called on civil servants, corporate leaders and policymakers to work collaboratively in shaping a future-ready governance framework that is adaptable, data-driven and innovation-led.

-- BERNAMA