Fatimah: Judge state budget by its impact on people

THE State Budget 2027 should be assessed based on its development priorities, implementation and long-term benefits to the people, rather than merely the allocations announced, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development said the budget’s impact should be measured by how effectively it improved livelihoods, supported families and ensured that vulnerable groups were not left behind.

Responding to criticism that the State Budget 2027 is an “Election Budget”, she said the state government’s guiding principles of “Utamakan Sarawak” and “Sarawak Maju Makmur” had consistently shaped its policies and priorities.

“If putting our people first is merely an election slogan, then why have we continued to prioritise their well-being, livelihoods, families and future year after year?” she said in her ministerial winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Oct 20).

Fatimah said development commitments should be judged by the work delivered and the improvements made to people’s lives, rather than promises made during election periods.

“Promises alone do not build a road, educate a child, support a family or restore hope to a community. It is the work done, the policies implemented and the lives improved that ultimately matter,” she said.

She said development must go beyond physical infrastructure to include opportunities for communities, support for families, empowerment of women and children, and assistance for persons with disabilities (OKU) and disadvantaged groups.

Fatimah also highlighted the importance of Sarawak’s financial position, saying efforts to diversify and strengthen state revenue had increased its capacity to invest in development, infrastructure, human capital and public well-being.

She said the government’s approach should balance economic growth with social welfare, while ensuring rural and interior communities benefited from development.

On the ministry’s priorities, Fatimah reaffirmed its commitment to giving children the best possible start in life, enabling women and families to thrive, and strengthening inclusive support for vulnerable groups.

She said the ministry would continue to improve service delivery, strengthen partnerships and pursue measurable outcomes under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

“Ultimately, our success must be measured not by the number of programmes implemented or assistance provided, but by the meaningful and lasting improvements in the lives of our people,” she said.

Fatimah said the Budget should balance development aspirations with financial discipline, modern infrastructure with rural needs, and economic progress with the welfare of the people.

She expressed support for the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026, saying it provided a financial foundation for Sarawak’s continued development with resilience, inclusivity and foresight.