(Miri, 31st) The Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Secretary-General of the Sarawak United People’s Party, and Piasau Assemblyman, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, issued a New Year message for 2025 stating that time flies, and in the blink of an eye, we have come to the end of 2024 and are welcoming the new year of 2025. Looking back, 2024 was a year full of memories with many historic moments worth commemorating.
He said that under the governance of the Sarawak Party Alliance, Sarawak continues to witness robust economic development. In 2024, Sarawak's total revenue reached a record high of 14.2 billion ringgit, meaning more income can be used to give back to the people of Sarawak, further promoting various development plans, laying a solid foundation for sustainable development in Sarawak.
Moreover, in November, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari presented a 15.8 billion ringgit budget for 2025 in the Sarawak Parliament, setting a record for the largest budget in Sarawak's history. This represents a 2.2 billion ringgit increase, or 16%, compared to the 13.6 billion ringgit budget of 2024.
“The ever-increasing budget not only stimulates economic development but also reflects the Sarawak government's commitment to the people's well-being through concrete actions. Out of this 15.8 billion ringgit, 4.9 billion ringgit is allocated for administrative expenditure, while 10.9 billion ringgit is earmarked for development spending, highlighting the Sarawak government's emphasis on infrastructure development.”
He stated that without a doubt, under the leadership of Abang Johari, the Sarawak government continues to benefit all citizens through prudent financial management and wise governance. Following the Sarawak government's policy of “no one will be marginalized”, a series of new people-benefiting policies will be implemented next year, including the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) program, for which the Sarawak government has allocated 450 million ringgit, expected to benefit no less than 850,000 recipients. Additionally, Sarawak government will provide 1,200 ringgit in pocket money annually to Sarawak students pursuing higher education across the country, and all Sarawak students in higher education institutions are eligible for this aid.
Meanwhile, existing welfare policies by the Sarawak government, such as newborn incentives, postnatal grants, Kenyalang Gold Card benefits, and Sarawak Senior Citizens' Health Benefits (SCHB) will continue to be implemented, fully reflecting the spirit of the Sarawak Party Alliance's “Sarawak First” policy in caring for the people's well-being. Furthermore, the Sarawak government also demonstrates foresight in policy development, particularly through the active implementation of green energy development. Be it in the fields of hydrogen energy or carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), Sarawak is at the forefront in the region.
He said, thanks to everyone's concerted efforts, the city of Miri continues to thrive. With the strong support of the masses, we have succeeded in advancing Miri's continuous development, including PETROS's investment of 2 billion ringgit to develop a 400 MW Miri gas turbine combined cycle (CCGT) power plant, the Sarawak government's 300 million ringgit investment in Miri's new deep water terminal, approval for a 150 million ringgit Miri airport expansion project, the Pujut Traffic Island upgrade project, Miri hospital expansion, and the new road project connecting Miri and Marudi, all indicating a bright future for the 'oil town'.
As the representative for Piasau, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, is highly confident in Miri’s future development opportunities and is committed to continuing to provide comprehensive services to local residents with his team, securing funding to improve infrastructure, allowing residents to live comfortably and harmoniously, and making Miri more prosperous and thriving.
He said, looking forward to 2025, as various industries gradually recover, the new year will be full of hope and opportunities. Especially in tourism, Sarawak successfully achieved the target of 4 million tourist arrivals in 2024, which not only brought about 10.19 billion ringgit in tourism revenue to Sarawak but also contributed 7.25% to Sarawak’s GDP.
He pointed out that Sarawak aims to reach 5 million tourist arrivals in 2025, and he believes this target can be achieved through the concerted efforts of all sectors. The Sarawak government has allocated 174 million ringgit in the 2025 Sarawak Budget to the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts for tourism marketing and promotion plans, continuing the strong support for industry players, making Sarawak a premier international tourist destination.”
“Fellow Sarawakians, in the new year, we must remain united because the struggle for Sarawak's rights is far from over. Sarawak still needs to strive for autonomy in health and education, the special allocation under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, and restoring the one-third parliamentary seat ratio between Sarawak and Sabah. The road ahead is long and challenging, and the Sarawak Party Alliance needs the strong backing of all the citizens to reclaim our rightful rights.”
Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, said the Sarawak Party Alliance will continue to defend its rightful entitlements based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the recommendations of the Inter-Governmental Committee, and the Cobbold Commission Report, bringing more development to Sarawak.
“As one of the member parties of the Sarawak Party Alliance, the Sarawak United People’s Party will continue to work hand in hand with the Sarawak National Party, the Sarawak People's Party, and the Progressive Democratic Party, playing an important role in the political mainstream and participating in the implementation of policies that benefit all people. Today’s Sarawak can be said to be the best of times in history with Sarawak’s revenue consistently reaching new highs, harmonious coexistence among all ethnic groups, guaranteed welfare for the people of Sarawak, freedom of religion, UNIFOR caring for the development needs of churches and temples, annual allocations to Sarawak independent schools and Chinese primary schools, and improving medical welfare for the people of Sarawak.”
All these are the results of continuous efforts by the Sarawak United People’s Party, through the representation of the Sarawak cabinet and local leaders, and in collaboration with Sarawak Party Alliance member parties. We will continue to uphold racial harmony and the spirit of unity among all citizens in Sarawak, and persistently defend the rightful rights of Sarawak based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the recommendations of the Inter-Governmental Committee, and the Cobbold Commission Report.
As we bid farewell to 2024, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, wants to thank the public for their cooperation and support in the past. Under the spirit of sincere cooperation and unity of the people, he and his service team have successfully fulfilled their duties in serving the public. In the new year, they will continue to uphold the mission of serving the people, working hand in hand with everyone to create a better future for Sarawak, especially for Piasau. Sincerely wishing all fellow Sarawakians happiness and peace, and may everyone live a better and more prosperous life in 2025.
Moreover, in November, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari presented a 15.8 billion ringgit budget for 2025 in the Sarawak Parliament, setting a record for the largest budget in Sarawak's history. This represents a 2.2 billion ringgit increase, or 16%, compared to the 13.6 billion ringgit budget of 2024.
“The ever-increasing budget not only stimulates economic development but also reflects the Sarawak government's commitment to the people's well-being through concrete actions. Out of this 15.8 billion ringgit, 4.9 billion ringgit is allocated for administrative expenditure, while 10.9 billion ringgit is earmarked for development spending, highlighting the Sarawak government's emphasis on infrastructure development.”
He stated that without a doubt, under the leadership of Abang Johari, the Sarawak government continues to benefit all citizens through prudent financial management and wise governance. Following the Sarawak government's policy of “no one will be marginalized”, a series of new people-benefiting policies will be implemented next year, including the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) program, for which the Sarawak government has allocated 450 million ringgit, expected to benefit no less than 850,000 recipients. Additionally, Sarawak government will provide 1,200 ringgit in pocket money annually to Sarawak students pursuing higher education across the country, and all Sarawak students in higher education institutions are eligible for this aid.
Meanwhile, existing welfare policies by the Sarawak government, such as newborn incentives, postnatal grants, Kenyalang Gold Card benefits, and Sarawak Senior Citizens' Health Benefits (SCHB) will continue to be implemented, fully reflecting the spirit of the Sarawak Party Alliance's “Sarawak First” policy in caring for the people's well-being. Furthermore, the Sarawak government also demonstrates foresight in policy development, particularly through the active implementation of green energy development. Be it in the fields of hydrogen energy or carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), Sarawak is at the forefront in the region.
He said, thanks to everyone's concerted efforts, the city of Miri continues to thrive. With the strong support of the masses, we have succeeded in advancing Miri's continuous development, including PETROS's investment of 2 billion ringgit to develop a 400 MW Miri gas turbine combined cycle (CCGT) power plant, the Sarawak government's 300 million ringgit investment in Miri's new deep water terminal, approval for a 150 million ringgit Miri airport expansion project, the Pujut Traffic Island upgrade project, Miri hospital expansion, and the new road project connecting Miri and Marudi, all indicating a bright future for the 'oil town'.
As the representative for Piasau, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, is highly confident in Miri’s future development opportunities and is committed to continuing to provide comprehensive services to local residents with his team, securing funding to improve infrastructure, allowing residents to live comfortably and harmoniously, and making Miri more prosperous and thriving.
He said, looking forward to 2025, as various industries gradually recover, the new year will be full of hope and opportunities. Especially in tourism, Sarawak successfully achieved the target of 4 million tourist arrivals in 2024, which not only brought about 10.19 billion ringgit in tourism revenue to Sarawak but also contributed 7.25% to Sarawak’s GDP.
He pointed out that Sarawak aims to reach 5 million tourist arrivals in 2025, and he believes this target can be achieved through the concerted efforts of all sectors. The Sarawak government has allocated 174 million ringgit in the 2025 Sarawak Budget to the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts for tourism marketing and promotion plans, continuing the strong support for industry players, making Sarawak a premier international tourist destination.”
“Fellow Sarawakians, in the new year, we must remain united because the struggle for Sarawak's rights is far from over. Sarawak still needs to strive for autonomy in health and education, the special allocation under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, and restoring the one-third parliamentary seat ratio between Sarawak and Sabah. The road ahead is long and challenging, and the Sarawak Party Alliance needs the strong backing of all the citizens to reclaim our rightful rights.”
Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, said the Sarawak Party Alliance will continue to defend its rightful entitlements based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the recommendations of the Inter-Governmental Committee, and the Cobbold Commission Report, bringing more development to Sarawak.
“As one of the member parties of the Sarawak Party Alliance, the Sarawak United People’s Party will continue to work hand in hand with the Sarawak National Party, the Sarawak People's Party, and the Progressive Democratic Party, playing an important role in the political mainstream and participating in the implementation of policies that benefit all people. Today’s Sarawak can be said to be the best of times in history with Sarawak’s revenue consistently reaching new highs, harmonious coexistence among all ethnic groups, guaranteed welfare for the people of Sarawak, freedom of religion, UNIFOR caring for the development needs of churches and temples, annual allocations to Sarawak independent schools and Chinese primary schools, and improving medical welfare for the people of Sarawak.”
All these are the results of continuous efforts by the Sarawak United People’s Party, through the representation of the Sarawak cabinet and local leaders, and in collaboration with Sarawak Party Alliance member parties. We will continue to uphold racial harmony and the spirit of unity among all citizens in Sarawak, and persistently defend the rightful rights of Sarawak based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the recommendations of the Inter-Governmental Committee, and the Cobbold Commission Report.
As we bid farewell to 2024, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, wants to thank the public for their cooperation and support in the past. Under the spirit of sincere cooperation and unity of the people, he and his service team have successfully fulfilled their duties in serving the public. In the new year, they will continue to uphold the mission of serving the people, working hand in hand with everyone to create a better future for Sarawak, especially for Piasau. Sincerely wishing all fellow Sarawakians happiness and peace, and may everyone live a better and more prosperous life in 2025.