PRS Youth chief: Sarawak must control entry, plan population growth for brighter future

Christopher Gira Sambang

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 27: Sarawak must retain the right to decide who enters, works and settles in the State while pursuing a planned population growth strategy to support economic expansion, attract investment and secure a brighter future for its people.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Ir Christopher Gira Sambang said Sarawak should adopt a strategic approach to population growth, including studying a long-term target of around five million people, including lawful foreign residents, to strengthen domestic demand, expand business opportunities and enhance the State’s attractiveness to investors.

Gira expressed full support for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s firm stance on safeguarding Sarawak’s borders, security and social harmony.

He said Sarawakians deserved a clear and transparent explanation of the government’s position following recent remarks concerning Rohingya refugees.

“Concerns over unmanaged settlements, prolonged stays and pressures on local communities cannot be ignored. Immigration policy must always put the interests of Sarawakians first,” he said in a statement today.

However, Gira stressed that protecting Sarawak’s interests should not mean closing the door to talent, investment and economic opportunities.

Instead, he said the State should focus on attracting highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors who could contribute to economic growth, create employment and facilitate knowledge transfer to the local workforce.

He said a larger and more productive population could help strengthen the domestic market and create a more dynamic economic environment, provided growth was carefully managed and aligned with Sarawak’s development priorities.

“Population growth must be planned, controlled and aligned with our development goals. Housing, infrastructure, healthcare, education and quality employment must grow together with the population,” he said.

Gira added that population planning should go hand in hand with efforts to develop local talent and create better opportunities for Sarawakians.

He said the State should continue investing in its people, while encouraging Sarawakians working or studying overseas to return home and contribute their skills and experience to Sarawak’s development.

He emphasised that immigration and population policies must be designed to deliver tangible benefits to the local population, including better employment prospects, higher incomes and improved economic opportunities.

“Sarawak must remain open to talent but closed to disorder,” he said.

Gira said the ultimate objective was to strike a balance between firm border controls and an open, forward-looking economy that could support sustainable development.

“The objective is clear: stronger borders, a stronger economy, better jobs, higher incomes and a brighter future for Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily