By Chris Bishop
PADAWAN, Dec 14: Urban development should not be taken for granted as it takes good policies and huge investments to make it happen, pointed out Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He noted this when addressing the perception that urban voters do not have to vote for ruling parties as “the urban area will develop by itself”.
“There is a perception in the urban areas that like it or not, the government has to come in to develop the urban areas; ‘so (there is) no need for us to vote for the government (ruling coalition), just vote for the opposition’.
“I am telling you one thing. In any development, you (should) have a good policy, then you can develop the urban areas. You cannot assume that an urban area can develop by itself. It has to be based on good policy.
“Why can Batu 3, Batu 7 and Batu 10 and other urban areas be developed? Because of our policies. You cannot avoid that.
“If you go for smart (city) policy, the government must have (adopt) the policy because it involves investment,” said Abang Johari when officiating at Padawan Municipal Council (MPP)’s 24th Anniversary-cum-launch of the Ring Ladies Mural event here today.
He pointed out MPP’s rapid development is due to the Sarawak government’s policies as well its provision of financial assistance.
“If revenue collected by MPP is RM30 million, (but the cost of) the Rakyat Project (projects for the people) is already RM82 million, where to find the money? Luckily you have GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) to give you the money,” said Abang Johari.
He pointed out that Padawan has potential for further growth especially in three sectors namely, services, agriculture and tourism. With Padawan strategically located between Serian and Kuching, with Samarahan within its vicinity, it is in a good position to be supported by basic development in these three districts.
“The people in the urban areas, don’t forget. It is because of policy. If your policy is not consistent, and the policy is not right, I don’t think you can get the development that you need. I urge the people to think properly,” said Abang Johari.
He congratulated MPP on its growth, highlighting that in 1996, the council managed only to collect RM3 million in revenue but increased revenue collection to RM30 million in 2020. — DayakDaily
