Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg assured the business sector that the government is always willing to listen and talk to the private sector ​to do away with unnecessary process and procedures.

“The duty of the government is to create a system for the business sector to thrive” he said at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS)’s Chinese New Year dinner here on Friday, where Abang Johari’s text of speech was read by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The state government, Abang Johari said, has the duty to protect the rights and interests of the people at large, especially consumers and workers.

“When considering changes to procedures and policies, the government has to weigh everything carefully so that no one is short-changed or the people’s interest and welfare jeopardised.”

He said Sarawak’s economy needs to be transformed in line with the worldwide trend of migrating to digital technology, adding that economic policies were founded upon the digitalisation of the public and private sectors.

“Our private sector has to migrate towards digitalisation in their operations. The government will upgrade the Internet infrastructure and roll out ‘Big Data’ very soon to provide an ecosystem suitable for the growth of a digital economy.

“The cost is very high, but the government is willing to invest in order to reap the benefits in the long run.”

Abang Johari added that the transportation system also has to be transformed; thus the emergence of a plan to build Light Rail Transit (LRT) to connect places across Greater Kuching.

On economy, the chief minister said the state aims to increase its revenue through initiatives such as the setting up of its own petroleum company Petros, the methanol plant and other chemical facilities in Bintulu, the 10-per cent stake in LNG Train 9, and up to 25 per cent share in liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations.

“I also see a lot of potential in food production sector, with a view of making Sarawak a net exporter of food in 10 to 20 years’ time. I have come up with the concept of an agriculture park where land can be leased to genuine entrepreneurs.

“The first agriculture park will be set up in Sarikei – the next one, probably in Samarahan. I know I can always count on our private sector, people like all of you, to enable our transformation programme to succeed.”

Meanwhile Dr Sim, in his remarks, called for unity among people in the business community while giving his assurance that the issues and problems raised by ACCCIS would be brought up and forwarded to the appropriate quarters.

“Unity is fundamental for a stronger Sarawak. Come the next general election, Sarawakians must be united and street-smart.

“Please, support the chief minister in the quest for greater autonomy for Sarawak, including in financial (sector), through various initiatives, which hopefully would increase the state revenue to RM6 billion a year,” he said.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang who is also Padawan Municipal Council chairman, Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, ACCCIS president Lee Khoi Yun and his deputy Tan Jit Kee were among those present.