By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, May 29: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol has likened Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders to turtles laying eggs quietly.
He said ever since Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg took over the Sarawak government’s administration as Chief Minister in 2017 and currently as Premier, the latter has announced initiatives to develop the region and for the betterment of its citizens.
However, he shared that politicians under Abang Johari’s leadership have a weakness—they do not brag sometimes.
“You know, sometimes there are people—their story is as small as an ant, but it is publicised as big as a mountain.
“When it comes to us (GPS leaders), we are like turtles—we lay eggs, but we do it quietly.
“This is where we need the media to be with us in sharing what is happening so that the perception of the Sarawak government’s efforts is being portrayed accurately,” he said during a high tea in conjunction with Sarawak-level National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2023 held at Grand Margherita Hotel here today.
At the same time, Abdullah pointed out that he is aware of ‘unofficial journalists’ on social media who would bring up issues in the GPS leaders’ constituencies.
“Sometimes, the Premier said ‘don’t brush them off’ (sic) as some of the issues they brought up, such as water issues in Pulau Bruit, for example, you have to take it because it is true.
“If they talk about poor roads with big holes in Pulau Bruit, you must take it because it is true. So now it is on you to take on it.
“Sometimes, these issues do not put us (GPS leaders) down because it is good that we are getting feedback from the people on the ground, including netizens on Facebook,” he added.
Nevertheless, he highlighted some bad apples, portraying a wrong and false perception of the Sarawak government.
For this, he said the federal government is looking into amending the relevant laws to tackle insensitive comments on race, religion and the royal institution (3Rs) on social media. — DayakDaily
