By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Aug 4: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg deserves an ‘A+’ for for his performance in administering Sarawak.
The distinction achieved by Abang Johari according a political analyst from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Dr Arnold Puyok is the former’s ability to ‘open another door’ when the front door seems to be locked.
“Even though he is not a lawyer, he is able to pursue the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) with a concrete result by getting the State Sales Tax recognised by Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Berhad) and the federal government.
“While others may not like it, Abang Johari pursued it because it is Sarawak’s right under its own purview of the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO 1958).
“While the Sabah government always blames Putrajaya for anything that is lost under MA63, Abang Johari keeps on looking for other doors to unlock whenever he found the main door is locked,” Arnold told DayakDaily when asked to comment on Abang Johari’s achievements in conjunction with the latter’s 70th birthday today.
Arnold added that the recognition of the SST was icing on the cake for Abang Johari to his string of successes.
“You guys are a lucky lot here in Sarawak because your Chief Minister put great emphasis on English by setting up international schools, because he knows the importance of the English language. Not many leaders in Malaysia would dare to venture into such an endeavour because it can (cause a) backlash,” opined Arnold, who is a Sabahan.
He also praised Abang Johari for introducing the digital economy to Sarawak to help the state leap forward in the global arena.
“Many people may not be happy with him, but the fact is that it is his own initiative which the federal government has also adopted.
“In fact, digital economy is the only forward,” added Arnold. — DayakDaily
