More revenue, more to talk about: Premier quips after marathon Budget speech

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had the audience laughing when he joked that standing for more than three hours to deliver the Sarawak 2027 Budget was easier when the state had RM15 billion in projected revenue.

Speaking at Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) Golden Jubilee Dinner on Monday (Oct 12) night, he recalled how Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom had remarked on the length of his Budget presentation earlier in the day.

“Today, I stood for more than three hours delivering the Budget. Douglas said, ‘Oh, you stood for three hours.’ Rundi also asked me about it.

“If there is no money, how can you speak for three hours? What is there to talk about for three hours?” he quipped.

Abang Johari said Sarawak’s improving financial position had enabled the state government to continue planning and implementing development projects across Sarawak.

He cited the construction of roads in Baram, the development of trunk roads and efforts to modernise paddy cultivation as among the initiatives that could be pursued with stronger state finances.

“Thank God, our revenue has increased. Sarawak’s revenue is now (projected to be) RM15 billion. When revenue reaches RM15 billion, it is good to have plenty to talk about,” he said.

Earlier, Abang Johari tabled the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) where he delivered his speech from 9.19am to 1.03pm — a presentation lasting three hours and 44 minutes.

During the tabling, he announced that Sarawak was projecting revenue of RM15.091 billion for 2027, an increase of RM2.042 billion (16 per cent) compared with the original revenue estimate of RM13.049 billion for 2026.

Despite the lengthy budget presentation earlier in the day, Abang Johari remained in a light-hearted mood as he reflected on SALCRA’s 50-year journey.

He recalled being just 26 years old when the organisation was established in 1976, compared with his present age of 76.

“The last 50 years, I was only 26 when SALCRA started. Now I am 76.

“The next 50 years, I am not sure because 76 plus 50 is 126!” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

He nevertheless expressed hope that SALCRA would continue progressing towards a modern plantation industry and economy in the decades ahead.