By Ling Hui and Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 10: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been highly praised for his capability to increase Sarawak’s revenue to a record-high of RM11.9 billion as of 2022.
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) president Dato Tan Jit Kee has described Abang Johari as someone that “pandai cari wang” (wise when looking for money or income).
“Indeed, YAB Datuk Patinggi (Abang Johari), you deserve the credit and recognition for your ability to look for money, ‘pandai cari wang’.
“Under your stewardship since 2017, our revenue collection has in fact increased more than five fold,” he said.
With the strong fiscal position Sarawak is currently in, Tan said the Sarawak government would be able to table sizable budgets and implement more projects to leapfrog the region’s development.
Meanwhile, he expressed gratitude for the Sarawak government’s assistance especially the nine Sarawakku Sayang Special Aid (BKSS) packages totaling RM6.7 billion during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“No regional government in Malaysia has gone that far to help its people. Only Sarawakians could have such privilege in Sarawak.
“Of course, we hope that YAB Datuk Patinggi (Abang Johari) would announce more goodies after the record-high revenue performance,” he said during the ACCCIS Chinese New Year grand dinner held at a local hotel tonight.
On another note, Tan also appealed to Abang Johari to consider the appointment of ACCCIS members on the boards of various statutory agencies in Sarawak so that they could play a proactive role in the development of the region.
Tan’s speech was read by ACCCIS secretary-general Dato Jonathan Chai.
Among those also present were Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Datin Sri Enn Ong, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Wei Ping, Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Kuching Noni Zurainah Ismi, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning & Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik, and Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee. ― DayakDaily
