By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Nov 15: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the development taking shape in Baram is ‘not rhetoric’, emphasising that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is delivering on long-standing promises through concrete, large-scale projects aimed at transforming the region.
Speaking at the launching of the Miri–Marudi, Marudi–Mulu (Kuala Melinau), and Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL) Road Project at the Marudi Light Industrial Area today, the Premier highlighted that Baram has always held a special place in his heart.
He said he had been entrusted to assist communities there as a young officer, recalling how he once walked the settlements of Baram—including Penan villages—witnessing first-hand the hardship caused by poor connectivity.
“That is why I have a dream—we don’t wait for others to help us, but we help ourselves to develop Baram. That is why today is not rhetoric—my friends in GPS and I work hard to increase the State’s income using new methods which I call ‘revenue re-engineering,” he said.
Abang Johari also touched on the upgrading of logging roads across the State, which is to be implemented by the Sarawak government.
“Again, this is not rhetoric—we will develop it with our own funds. We cannot wait for others; we do it ourselves using our own money. Where to find the money? Give (the task) to me and I will find it—it is my duty as your leader,” he said.
The Premier said that in his eight years leading Sarawak, the State has undergone significant transformation—completing road networks, building key bridges, reclaiming the Bakun Hydroelectric Power Dam, regaining control of its ports and even establishing its own bank.
With a strengthened economy and increased revenue, he said the government is now able to return more benefits to the people.
“Others say ‘see Sarawak, follow Sarawak’ and want to emulate us. Our (State government) success is also the people’s success,” he said, referring to his conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.
He also attributed the State’s strong financial standing to the strong sense of unity among its people, which he said would allow Baram to transform.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government and Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) and Marudi assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala; Baram MP Dato Anyi Ngau; and Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau were among those present. — DayakDaily
