KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak is striving to become the second-largest contributor to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) before the upcoming state election.

In a report released by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), its Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is currently the third-largest GDP contributor in the country, after Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Abang Johari also said that Sarawak has surpassed Johor in terms of GDP contribution in the country.

"We have to be confident and organise a strategy so that our GDP is high and I am confident that we will be able to surpass Selangor.

"Whether this is possible or not, it is up to us to organise our economic strategy and this (second-largest contributor) is what we are aiming for before the next state election," he said at the Parti Persaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Hari Raya programme on Sunday.

The premier, who is also PBB president, said the move was a step to demonstrate to the people that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak's (GPS) leadership is moving in the right direction.

At the same time, he also expressed confidence in PBB's commitment to train young leaders to continue the party's legacy and drive the state's development in the future.

"We have to train the younger generations to produce strong and relevant leaders in the future and avoid issues such as money politics.

"So far, we have (also) been able to manage our party well and this can give space to the young people to lead in the future.

"The situation will always change, (and) the political landscape will also change with the economic sector being managed in a new way."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1044016/sarawak-aims-be-second-largest-gdp-contributor-country-next-state