2027 State Budget not totally an election; many of the initiatives have been implemented

By Simon Isaiah

I will not call the 2027 State Budget totally an election budget. On the surface, it appears to be so designed to guarantee victory in the state election expected to be held later this year. However, after looking through the budget, many of the initiatives in the budget, in fact, have been implemented.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg tabling the 2027 State Budget

Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) aid scheme, Senior Citizens Health Scheme, Gold Gold Kenyalang and a number of aid and welfare schemes are in fact have been implemented,

And so are the 25% discount on electricity bill, water bill and assistance to the students have already been implemented.

These are the initiatives which are dear and near to the ordinary people's hearts.

As pointed out by Premier Abang Johari Openg, at the heart of 2027 Budget is a simple principle: people must remain at the centre of development. Economic growth is important. Fiscal strength is vital. Investment is necessary. Infrastructure is critical. But all these are means to an end. The end is human well-being.

The budget is about a family that can afford a decent life, a young person who can find meaningful employment, a rural community with the same dignity of access to essential services as an urban community, an elderly person who can live with security, and a child who receives a good education regardless of where he or she is born. That is what development means. 

The 2027 budget, as expected, will therefore, continue to support households facing these life challenges while addressing the structural pressures that keep families vulnerable. But we must also recognise an important principle.

The best social protection is not simply a transfer of money. The best social protection is an economy that creates opportunity: a job with a good wage, a business that can grow, a skill that is valued by industry, a farm produce that can reach the market, and a young person who can build a career in Sarawak.

The budget will, therefore, combine social protection with economic empowerment. The state government will help people today while creating pathways for them to become more economically secure tomorrow

However, the budget's nine main thrusts aim to accelerate Sarawak’s economic transformation by advancing higher‑value industries and diversifying beyond traditional sectors. 

They unlock new growth areas in digital technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, while fostering private investment through innovation and strategic partnerships.

At the same time, these measures expand employment opportunities, strengthen human capital, as well as building a competitive and agile workforce. Together, these measures will help secure Sarawak’s long-term prosperity that are sustainable, inclusive, and future‑proof.

The 2027 Budget will, therefore, continue to support households facing these life challenges while addressing the structural pressures that keep families vulnerable. But we must also recognise an important principle. 

The best social protection is not simply a transfer of money. The best social protection is an economy that creates opportunity: a job with a good wage, a business that can grow, a skill that is valued by industry, a
farm produce that can reach the market, and a young person who can build a career in Sarawak.

The budget will, therefore, combine social protection with economic empowerment. The state government will help people today while creating pathways for them to become more economically secure tomorrow

Above all, it is a budget that speaks directly to the rakyat, ensuring growth that uplifts every household while preparing for a sustainable and secure tomorrow. 

The budget aims to ensure that every Sarawakian has access to quality jobs, sustainable incomes, and opportunities to uplift their families.

According to the premier, the 2027 Budget is a budget of confidence, hope and optimism. Confidence in the ingenuity and resilience of the people. Confidence in the institutions. Confidence in Sarawak's economic potential.