KUCHING, Jan 11: Among the countless initiatives implemented by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the most invaluable is the instillation of ‘Sarawak’s Pride’ among Sarawakians, says Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Snowdan, who is also Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak said since taking over Sarawak’s chief ministership and later premiership, Abang Johari has introduced countless initiatives, tangible and otherwise, meant for the benefits of the people.
“Tangible in the sense that we see in the form of physical infrastructure development across the State. There is no necessity to list it here, because we all ‘felt’ it.
“But more importantly is the intangible one which is the upliftment of ‘Sarawak’s Pride’ in the Malaysian context specifically and the world in general,” said Snowdan in a statement today.
He said Sarawak has been turned into a well-respected, honoured and affluent society owing to Abang Johari who envisions the State’s direction from the beginning.
Snowdan emphasised that Abang Johari’s consistency, steadfastness and strong political will in pursuing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) agendas where at some points he made it “non-negotiable” have brought about many positive outcomes in Sarawak getting its deserved rights back.
The battle against the ‘giants’, notably the imposition of Sarawak Service and Sales Tax (SST) which falls in Sarawak’s favor, was also one of Abang Johari daring moves.
Abang Johari’s revenue re-engineering concept, Snowdan said, is another impressive initiative which leads to Sarawak doubling its annual budget.
To him, Abang Johari’s naming of the tallest flag pole as “Ibu Pertiwi” has brought Sarawak pride to its climax.
“It symbolises Sarawakian society as a civilised, progressive and united people. No longer are we perceived as undeveloped. The world bank had testified to this. No longer Sarawakian can be ‘bullied’ by our big brother because we are now self-reliance and can stand tall,” he added. – DayakDaily
