YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts

suppadmin | May 21, 2026

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
I rise to support the Motion of Adjournment for the First Meeting of the Fifth Term of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.

First and foremost, I wish to record our highest appreciation and sincere gratitude to Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Bin Tuanku Jaafar, for his gracious
address delivered in this august House on the 11th May 2026.

The address clearly reflects the direction, aspirations and long-term vision of Sarawak as we continue progressing confidently towards achieving the goals of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy
2030, or PCDS 2030.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
The years leading to 2030 are extremely crucial and important. We are no longer merely discussing plans and policies. We are now in the implementation phase where the rakyat expect to see tangible outcomes,
practical development and meaningful benefits from the Government’s initiatives.

Under the visionary leadership of our Premier, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Sarawak has emerged as one of the most progressive and forward-looking regions in Malaysia and ASEAN.

Today, Sarawak continues to position itself strongly in future industries such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, hydrogen economy and aerospace development.

These are not merely ambitions for today, but long-term investments for the future prosperity of our people. In particular, I wish to commend our Sarawak GPS Government for its strong commitment in developing Sarawak as a regional hub for clean and renewable energy.

Sarawak is increasingly being recognised internationally for its serious efforts in hydropower, hydrogen development, solar energy and sustainable green technologies.

In this regard, I would like to congratulate our Premier for receiving the prestigious Forward Faster Sustainability Visionary Award by the United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei
on the 29th January 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. This international recognition reflects Sarawak’s growing reputation in sustainable development and environmental leadership.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
The success of these high-technology and future industries will depend greatly on our ability to produce a highly educated, technically competent and future-ready workforce.

Therefore, investment in education remains one of the most important investments for Sarawak’s future.
This year 2026 marks a historic milestone with the implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, or FTES.

For the first time in our history, Sarawakian students are able to pursue free tertiary education at four local institutions in Sarawak, namely Curtin University Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology
Sarawak Campus, University of Technology Sarawak and i-CATS University College.

To date, a total of 4,694 students has already benefited from this initiative. This is indeed a bold, visionary and people-oriented policy.

According to UNESCO data, only a limited number of countries in the world provide free tertiary education. Although Sarawak is not a sovereign nation, our Government under GPS has successfully
implemented this important initiative for our own children and future generations. Congratulations GPS Government, all our Anak Sarawak and Yang Amat Berhormat Premier.

This demonstrates clearly that when Sarawak prospers economically, the benefits are returned directly to the rakyat through education, human capital development and opportunities for the younger generation.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker

I would also like to congratulate this august House on the successful passing of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026 and the Perbadanan Pembangunan Ekonomi Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2026.

The establishment of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board is timely and strategic in strengthening Sarawak’s food security, agricultural modernisation and long-term self-sufficiency in rice production, particularly in light of global climate challenges and supply chain uncertainties.

At the same time, the amendment to the Perbadanan Pembangunan Ekonomi Sarawak further strengthens Sarawak’s institutional and economic development framework to better respond to future economic opportunities and challenges.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
The Sarawak Government also continues to prioritise infrastructure and connectivity development throughout the State. Major projects such as the Coastal Road Network, Sabah-Sarawak Link Road, bridges and extensive rural road development are transforming the socio-economic landscape of Sarawak, reducing travelling time and opening up new economic opportunities, especially in rural areas and at the same time promoting domestic tourism.

Equally important is the Government’s continuous efforts to improve internet access, telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity so that rural communities will not be left behind in the digital economy.

The establishment of AirBorneo is also another important milestone for Sarawak. Our own state-owned airline will strengthen domestic and regional connectivity, improve accessibility and support tourism,
trade, healthcare, education and economic activities throughout Sarawak, including rural and remote areas.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,

Amidst global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, Sarawak GPS Government has also introduced various rakyat-oriented measures to help ease the people’s financial burden.

These include the increase in Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), 25 percent discounts on electricity bill for domestic users, senior citizen health benefit and rental discounts for markets and
stalls under local authorities and State agencies.

These initiatives reflect a caring Government that continues to place the welfare and wellbeing of the rakyat as its top priority.

Finally, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
All these achievements and long-term plans can only be successfully realised and implemented if Sarawak continues to enjoy strong political stability, unity and harmonious cooperation among our people.

Political stability is essential because it allows the Government to focus on economic growth, investment, development and improving the people’s standard of living without unnecessary political distractions.
As we approach our festive celebrations, I would like to extend my sincere wishes to all Muslims Brothers and sisters selamat and blessed Hari Raya Aidiladha. May it bring peace and strengthen our spirit of
sacrifice.

To all Dayak brothers, sisters and colleagues I wish you all a Very Happy Hari Gawai ” Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai”.

May our celebrations continue to reflect and strengthen harmony, unity, mutual respect, and inclusive future, which, we Anak Sarawak are building together.

With those remarks, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker, I beg to support the Motion of Adjournment.
Thank you.