According to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the digital economy is being utilized by Sabah and Sarawak to enhance socioeconomic growth in the states. He emphasized that the digital economy offers a significant potential for Sabah, providing ways to overcome traditional challenges and create new economic opportunities.
Hajiji highlighted the barriers faced by Sabah’s population, which is comprised of 90% bumiputra, including limited access to social services, healthcare facilities, telecommunications, and quality education due to geographical factors. He stressed the importance of empowering the bumiputra community by providing access to human capital development, training, quality education, digital literacy, financial literacy, and infrastructure.
In order to fully leverage the potential of the digital economy, Hajiji emphasized the importance of developing a solid network of infrastructures and improving connectivity. He believes that this approach will not only support the grassroots economy but also pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable economic development in Sabah.
During his speech at the 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress, Hajiji expressed support for the six strategic thrusts announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, which aim to drive Bumiputera Economic Transformation and close key development imbalances.
He emphasized the need to institutionalize bumiputra economic agenda and initiatives, highlighting the importance of funding and allocations in driving bumiputra empowerment. Hajiji envisions closing poverty gaps and bringing about positive change in people’s lives, emphasizing the importance of access to infrastructure, facilities, and quality education for success.
He also called for shared prosperity within the “Keluarga Malaysia” and encouraged overcoming barriers like the South China Sea to achieve development and harmony.
On the other hand, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan stated that efforts to increase bumiputra economic involvement are aligned with Sarawak state government’s policy and objectives, as 72.4% of Sarawak’s 2.5 million residents are bumiputra. He mentioned the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint, highlighting its strategy for digital economy development to boost productivity and economic growth.
Amar cited the International Monetary Fund’s estimation that the digital economy could contribute 24.3% to the world economy by 2025, which is valued at USD25 trillion. He emphasized the potential economic benefits of tapping into the digital economy, including contributions to the country’s GDP.
Sarawak has also ventured into new economies such as green energy generation, particularly hydropower. The state aims to generate 10,000MW of energy by 2030, with the potential to reach 20,000MW from hydropower. Amar highlighted the importance of energy development in driving overall economic development and creating business opportunities for bumiputra companies, including SMEs.
He expressed hope for increased bumiputra involvement in all sectors, calling for determination and commitment from the government and entrepreneurs to realize proposals and resolutions with a concrete action plan. Amar stressed the importance of stability, agreement, unity, and cooperation among all communities in Malaysia to effectively address challenges and propel the country forward.
