Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said federal civil servants serving in Sarawak would also receive a RM500 bonus, to be paid in the first quarter of next year.

He said the GPS government appreciated the contributions, sacrifices and commitment of civil servants in performing their duties and responsibilities, especially during these trying times.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, the civil servants, including doctors, nurses, health workers, uniformed bodies, immigration and other frontline personnel, have worked tirelessly to protect our people.

“There are also other members of the civil service who are working behind the scenes, away from the glare of publicity, but are working diligently in their respective workplaces. To all of them, I would like to say thank you,” he said during his winding-up speech at the state assembly today.

Abang Johari said the 2021 state budget was designed to create an investment environment for the private sector to invest in.

He had welcomed the suggestion to establish a sovereign wealth fund by investing on surplus revenue as a buffer in time of financial crisis, as well as for the benefits of the current and future generations in Sarawak.

He said the state government would undertake a thorough feasibility study to ensure proper framework and implementation mechanism to mitigate any major risks associated with the operation of such a fund.

The study would also ensure that all key aspects of the fund such as financial, legal and operational perspectives were taken into consideration.