KUCHING: Effective resource management, underpinned by knowledge and social justice, is a key factor in ensuring the stability and economic progress of a region.

Sarawak Premier and Chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that natural resource wealth alone does not guarantee prosperity if it is not properly managed.

According to him, some countries that are rich in resources such as oil still face poverty due to weaknesses in management and an unequal distribution of benefits.

“Our economic resources are strong, but many countries with strong economic resources still face high levels of poverty. Just look at Nigeria and Sudan; they have resources but the people remain poor because of ineffective management,” he said.

He said this when delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of the GPS Convention at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday.

Further elaborating during a press conference, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari said that sound resource management must be supported by knowledge and fairness to ensure that the benefits of development are enjoyed by all levels of society.

He said an inclusive approach to development is important to prevent disparities that could undermine social stability.

“But what is important is the future of our children. If many graduates are unable to find employment, we need to align the economy with the skills they possess. If not, they will seek opportunities elsewhere,” he said.

In this regard, he said Sarawak places strong emphasis on human capital development through education, including in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as other professional fields.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, PRS President Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, PDP President Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, as well as other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photo: Ameerul Syafiq Khir & Cleve
Translator: Uilson Ng