‘Not merely cosmetic’: SEDC amendment strategic reform for modern economy — Pelagus rep

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, May 12: The Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2026 is not merely a technical or cosmetic exercise, but a strategic institutional reform aimed at repositioning the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to meet the demands of a modern, globally competitive and investment-driven economy.

Debating the Bill at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang said the amendment is timely and necessary as the existing Ordinance dates back to 1958—an era long before digital economies, renewable energy transitions, artificial intelligence (AI), sovereign wealth strategies and high-value industrial ecosystems became central pillars of economic governance.

“We must remember that this Ordinance traces its roots back to the year 1958. That means the foundational framework of this corporation was designed more than six decades ago in a very different economic era,” he said.

Nyabong added that Sarawak is now positioning itself as a regional energy powerhouse, a leader in renewable energy and the hydrogen economy, while also aspiring to become a hub for digital infrastructure and green investments as well as a stronger economic player within ASEAN.

“Therefore, our institutions must evolve accordingly, and that is precisely why this amendment is timely, necessary and strategic,” he added. — DayakDaily

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