This was not empty talk to fish for votes in the 12th Sarawak state elections, he said.

Annuar said efforts to improve the communications infrastructure in the state had begun way before the election dates were announced.

The 4G coverage target had been set based on the project’s implementation progress.

“Last year, 4G coverage in Sarawak was only at 72%. Once we had implemented (National Digital Network) Jendela in early 2020, by the third quarter (of 2020) coverage had gone up to 83%.

“Meaning, within a year, 10% progress was achieved. We are confident that by the end of next year, we can achieve 92% to 93%,” he told a media conference after a visit to Bernama’s Sarawak Election Operations Centre in Kuching.

Earlier on Dec 5, during his visit to Kuching on the eve of nominations, Annuar said 4G coverage in Sarawak would reach 92% next year, on par with the rest of the country when the government improves broadband infrastructure and standards with expenditure touching RM4.09 billion.

His announcement caught the attention of opposition MPs, who in turn claimed it was merely an empty promise to “fish for votes”.

Refuting this, Annuar gave his assurance that development plans in Sarawak had never been election-driven, and hoped efforts taken by both the federal and state governments to develop the state do not end up being politicised.

“I have long observed the way the Sarawak government administers the state. They are very systematic in their planning, regardless of whether there is an election or not.

“Sarawak has been blessed with good leadership, with a very clear vision of their short and long-term plans.

“Those who haven’t been in Sarawak may have the impression that it lacks development, but when they are here they will notice the rivers, the towns and the airports are well-developed.

“Even in the rural areas, the longhouses have internet facilities,” he said.

Annuar was confident Sarawakians themselves are appreciative of what the Gabungan Parti Sarawak-led state government has done for them and they were unlikely to be swayed easily by national-level sentiments.

“Sarawakians understand the situation in Sarawak,” he said.