I am pleased to inform that the State Government has formulated a long-term perspective plan for Sarawak known as the Sarawak Socio-Economic Transformation Plan (SETP) covering a period of 15 years from 2016 until 2030. Since SETP is a long- term perspective plan, it will be executed in phases starting with the Eleventh Plan (2016-2020).
In order to achieve the objectives of the Eleventh Plan, the State will focus on 6 strategic thrusts namely:
Thrust 1: Strategising economic growth;
Thrust 2: Strengthening growth enablers;
Thrust 3: Transforming the rural areas;
Thrust 4: Ensuring sustainable environment and resource management;
Thrust 5: Developing human capital as the catalyst of growth; and
Thrust 6: Enhancing the quality of life.
STATE AUTONOMY
State Rights: Devolution of Power
It is my priority to ensure that the rakyat and the State benefit from a more efficient and effective implementation of some matters which at present are under the Federal and Concurrent Lists. As a start, among the matters that I will work with the Federal Government to be decentralised include the following:
(a) The powers relating to prosecutions for criminal offences under State laws;
(b) The administration of Sports in the State;
(c) The environment, especially to be in sync with the policies of the State including those relating to treatment of wastes and issuing of licences and permits;
(d) Financial matters, including those related to fees and licences for services and matters within the purview of the Federal Government, as well as the review of Special Grants to the State under Article 112D;
(e) Shipping, including lights and buoys, as well as wrecks and salvage;
(f) Public Works in the State for Federal purposes;
(g) Education, to be in tandem with the State requirements; and
(h) Other matters related to health, welfare, tourism, fisheries, heritage and housing.