Achieving the MDGs : An Overview of the Spatial and Ethnic Challenges Facing Sarawak Presented by

1. Achieving the MDGs : An Overview of the Spatial and Ethnic Challenges Facing Sarawak Presented by Yang Berbahagia Datu Wilson Baya Dandot Deputy State Secretary (Administration, Security and Corporate Affairs)

2. Outline of presentation : • Introduction • Objective of Paper • Background – MDGs • Challenges with special reference to Sarawak • Prospect for Sarawak • Conclusion

3. Introduction • What is MDGs? • “The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) encompasses eight major goals to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the worlds main development challenges. The MDGs are drawn from the actions and targets contained in the Millennium Declaration that was adopted by 189 nations-and signed by 147 heads of state and governments during the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000.” • The 8 MDGs goals is further broken down into 18 quantifiable targets that are measured by 48 indicators. The 18 quantifiable targets and 48 indicators are as per appendix attached. Source : UNDP

4. Introduction •   How have we fared in the State? (Achievements): • By and large, we have addressed the issues with a great degree of success. Our performance and achievement had brought us to a new platform and hence new challenges – called it marrying success and meeting rising expectations. • Politics Of Development (POD), New Reality, COME Source : UNDP

5. Introduction • What is the Future Scenario: Preparing for the Second Wave of Development • Socio economic development has been taking place • Development tempo accelerated tremendously after 1980, through our own “Politics Of Development” approach of the political leadership. • Development ion the State has been based on total development covering all sectors. • Special and unique administrative setup that is close to people (Division / District/ Sub-District) (Residents, DOs and SAOs) – multiracial and multi lingual State Civil Service. • Rich history, vast geography, experience in Government and Governance (from Brooke’s time), rich (albeit) unexploited natural resources, small population and scattered settlements (5,000) but multi ethnicity. • Urban-rural • Coastal-mid land-interior Source : UNDP

6. Objective of Paper • Present overview on the spatial and ethnic challenges in Sarawak vis-à-vis MDGs goals. • Highlight strategies and development plan to address challenges. • To share thoughts, ideas and perspectives on the subject in the context of Sarawak.

7. Background – Overview Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) • Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger • Achieve universal primary education • Promote gender equality and empower women • Reduce child mortality • Improve material health • Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases • Ensure environmental sustainability • Develop a Global Partnership for Development

8. Challenges with special reference to Sarawak • Locality Challenges • Ethnic based challenges • Occupation based challenges • Value based challenges The Response: • New Reality and COME • Education and Skill Training • Bintulu - Capital Intensive Industries and Plantations • Miri – Shell to local communities • Kuching – Administration • Sibu – Entrepreneurs

9. Locality Challenges • Land area of 124,449 sq km • Constraint on accessibility • Topography and soil suitability • Divisions (11) • Districts (30) • Sub-Districts (30) • RGCs (10 implemented, 10 new projects had been identified) • Dispersed settlements and population • High cost of extension per unit (to extend) • Squatters

10. Ethnic based challenges • Population 2.3 million • 27 Ethnic groups and sub-groups • 29% Iban • 27% Chiness • 21% Melayu • 8% Bidayuh • 6% Melanau • 6% Orang Ulu • 3% Others

11. Ethnic based challenges • Diverse cultures, customs,religious beliefs • Different value system • Generally ethnicity identified with social economic status Cultural village Dewan Suarah Cultural Foundation (NGOs) State Level Cultural Symposium (5 years)

12. Occupation Based challenges • Fishing activities associated with coastal population/settlement • Traditional farming-low productivity,poor awareness on environmental issues (open burning) • Commercial and modern farming – Chinese dominated • Public sector employment – education and skills • Modern Agriculture vs. small holding

13. Value /Culture Based Challenges • Value system associated with ethnicity eg. Attitude on savings, education, wealth creation and accumulation • Value system influenced by exposure to education and upbringing (Kampungs vs Towns)

14. Prospects for Sarawak • Conducive Policies and stable political climate/POD • Multi-cultural and ethnic diversity bedrock for unity • Racial integration/assimilation not an issue (model for Malaysia) • Balanced development for equity and sustainability • Institutional framework and capacity building in place for greater participation and environmental awareness • Good service delivery and accountability

15. Conclusion • Sarawak has in place appropriate development plan, policies, strategies and visionary leadership to address spatial and ethnic issues, problems and challenges toward the attainment of the MDGs. • The Sarawak experience and model can be emulated to address special and ethnic issues even though we may only be a small part of the globe.