By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Dec 7: Sarawak could rank on par with Singapore or even better on the Global Happiness Index, asserts Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Singapore was ranked 11th in the Global Happiness Index but Malaysia was ranked 24th.
“I think within Malaysia if they were to assess Sarawak on its own, maybe we are equivalent to Singapore or not better than Singapore.
“Because (of) the prevailing unity we have in Sarawak,” he said during the launching of Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak’s (YPS) inaugural newsletter called CommUnity (Communicating Unity) at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
On another note, Abang Johari emphasised that it is important for the Sarawak government to have a combination of young and experienced leaders to lead Sarawak forward.
Abang Johari who is the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman highlighted that GPS’ candidate lineup for the 12th Sarawak Election features new and old faces to ensure the continuation of leadership in Sarawak.
Abang Johari who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president said he is fortunate to have the guidance of experienced leaders such as YPS chairman Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, YPS deputy chairman Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and YPS deputy chairman Tan Sri George Chan Hong Nam who were willing to listen to him when the Sarawak government wanted to formulate policies in tandem with the changing situation.
On unity, he opined that it is important for society to cultivate universal values to generate a positive outcome for Sarawak to progress further.
With digital transformation which is happening at a rapid pace in this digital era, Abang Johari noted that it is crucial to counter negative information online.
He said the Sarawak government will not hesitate to take stern action against those who try to cause disharmony in Sarawak.
Abang Johari expressed confidence that unity among the people in Sarawak will remain strong through traditional values in spite of whatever mode of communication that the instigators use.
Apart from that, Abang Johari added, digital communication is important for development especially in the field of agriculture, tourism, education and healthcare.
Among those present at the launching of YPS’ inaugural newsletter CommUnity were Jabu, Chan, YPS chief executive officer Datu Aloysius Dris, YPS board members and heads of various government departments. — DayakDaily
