By Karen Bong
MUKAH, Sept 12: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on the people of Daro to throw their support to assemblyman Shafiee Ahmad in the coming state election so to give mandate to the GPS government to continue with development plans, especially to transform rural areas and communities.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), he emphasised, needed the mandate and trust from the people, not only from Daro but the whole of Sarawak, to continue leading the state.
“As long as we are being given the trust to lead, I will give all my best to transform the rural areas including infrastructure development of roads and electricity and water supplies,” he said when addressing a symbolic ceremony to deploy artificial reef balls in the waters of Matu-Daro, here today.
As such, with the GPS government’s term expiring soon as the next state election is due by 2021, Abang Johari admitted he would not dare to promise to address the issues raised by Safiee today.
“My authority (as the Chief Minister) will be expiring soon. If I wanted to implement certain projects, that will be for next year.
“So Daro, as well as Kuala Rajang and all areas in Sarawak, people should help Safiee to win in the state election to give mandate to the GPS government to proceed with development plans,” he urged.
Abang Johari reiterated his call for people to safeguard and appreciate the harmonious and peaceful living that Sarawak has always been blessed with.
“GPS is strong. Other places, they are fighting. In KL, they are still fighting. The Muhyiddin government is still fighting. If not for us to have given our support, he (Muhyiddin) will not become the Prime Minister.
“Back then, they were in a grave situation and they were struggling to stay afloat.
“Look at the situation in Sabah’s election, it is chaotic as some areas are seeing a six-cornered fight. People are divided,” he said.
Reminding the people of the advice of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem that only Sarawakians can take care of Sarawak, Abang Johari said this unity and understanding among the people have given strength to GPS to take care of her people and implement necessary development to ensure Sarawak communities in both urban and rural areas continue to thrive.
“I am only the Chief Minister for three years plus, but all areas in Mukah have been connected especially with the construction of bridges which overall cost some RM2 billion.
“A lot of people are questioning my ability but I have my way through what is called alternative financing. We have the ability to increase our revenue such as from State Sales Tax in which Petronas has agreed to pay,” he explained.
Abang Johari assured that the state revenue will continue to increase especially in the next five years but he did not reveal the plans and strategies yet.
“With that we will provide for and help the people. So understand that our state is strong and our leaders are working hard to transform rural areas to help rural communities economically, socially and education,” he added.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) chief executive officer (CEO) Zolkipli Mohamad Aton were present.-DayakDaily
