2025 New Year Message by SUPP Secretary General Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew

suppadmin | December 31, 2024

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, SUPP Secretary-General, and Piasau Assemblyman said time flies, and as we approach the end of 2024, we warmly welcome the arrival of a new year, 2025. Reflecting on the past, 2024 was a year full of memories and many historic moments worth cherishing and under the governance of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Sarawak has continued to achieve robust economic growth. In 2024, Sarawak’s total revenue reached an all-time high of RM14.2 billion, allowing more resources to be reinvested for the benefit of Sarawakians and laying a strong foundation for sustainable development.

Furthermore, he said, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari tabled the state’s largest-ever budget of RM15.8 billion for 2025 during the November sitting of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. This marks an increase of RM2.2 billion or 16% compared to the RM13.6 billion budget in 2024.

“The expanding budget not only stimulates economic growth but also reflects the government’s commitment to improving the people’s well-being. Out of the RM15.8 billion budget, RM4.9 billion is allocated for operating expenditure, while RM10.9 billion is designated for development, highlighting the government’s focus on infrastructure improvement.

Under the prudent financial management and visionary leadership of Premier Abang Johari, the Sarawak government continues to deliver benefits to all. Guided by the principle of leaving no one behind, the government will introduce new people-centric initiatives in 2025, including the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Scheme (SKAS) with an allocation of RM450 million to benefit over 850,000 individuals. Additionally, Sarawakian students pursuing higher education will receive an annual allowance of RM1,200, applicable to all institutions across Malaysia. Existing programs such as the Newborn Incentive, Postpartum Aid, Kenyalang Gold Card, and Sarawak Senior Citizens Health Benefits (SCHB) will continue to be implemented, reflecting GPS’s “Sarawak First” vision in safeguarding the people’s welfare. The government also demonstrates foresight in its policies, especially in advancing green energy development, positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in hydrogen energy and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) initiatives, ” he added.

He said with the collective effort of the community, Miri has continued to flourish. Backed by strong public support, we have achieved significant developments, including PETROS’s RM2 billion investment in a 400MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant, the Sarawak government’s RM300 million allocation for a new deepwater port, the RM150 million expansion of Miri Airport, the Pujut Roundabout upgrading project, the Miri Hospital expansion, and the new road connecting Miri to Marudi. These milestones underscore the bright future ahead for “Oil Town.”

“As the representative for Piasau, I remain optimistic about Miri’s development opportunities. Together with my team, I will continue striving to secure funding, improve infrastructure, and provide comprehensive services for residents to ensure Miri becomes even more prosperous and vibrant. Looking ahead to 2025, the year is filled with hope and opportunities as industries recover. Notably, Sarawak achieved its 2024 target of 4 million tourist arrivals, contributing RM10.19 billion in tourism revenue and 7.25% to the state’s GDP,” he hoped.

For 2025, Ting added that Sarawak targets 5 million tourist arrivals. I firmly believe this goal is attainable through collaboration across all sectors. The Sarawak government has allocated RM174 million under the 2025 budget to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts for tourism marketing and promotion, further cementing Sarawak as a top international travel destination.

Advising fellow Sarawakians as we step into the new year, he said we must remain united, as the fight for Sarawak’s rights is far from over. The state continues to pursue autonomy over healthcare and education, special grants under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, and the restoration of one-third parliamentary seat representation for Sarawak and Sabah. The road ahead remains challenging, and GPS requires the strong backing of the people to reclaim what rightfully belongs to Sarawak.

Asking Sarawakians to put their trust in GPS, he pointed out that GPS will continue to defend Sarawak’s rights as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and the Cobbold Commission Report. Building on this foundation, we will bring even more development to the state.

And as one of the component parties in GPS, SUPP will continue working closely with PBB, PRS, and PDP to implement policies that benefit everyone. Today, Sarawak enjoys its best times in history with record-high revenues, harmonious coexistence among diverse communities, guaranteed welfare for the people, religious freedom, and support for churches, temples, independent Chinese schools, and Chinese primary schools.

He reckoned that all these achievements are the results of SUPP’s continuous efforts through its representatives in the state cabinet and grassroots leaders, working hand in hand with GPS to safeguard racial harmony and unity in Sarawak. We will steadfastly uphold the state’s rights as enshrined in MA63, the IGC Report, and the Cobbold Commission Report.

“As we bid farewell to 2024, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the people for their cooperation and support. With the spirit of unity, my team and I have fulfilled our duties to serve the community. In the new year, we will continue to uphold our mission to serve the people and create a brighter future for Sarawak, especially in Piasau. I sincerely wish all Sarawakians happiness and peace, and may 2025 bring greater prosperity and abundance to everyone, ” he concluded.