By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 5: With Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s revenue reengineering strategy, Sarawak is on its way to becoming financially independent, allowing the State to determine its priorities and decide its course for the future.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian is confident that by 2030, Sarawak will not only be prosperous and strong but inclusive and united in which every Sarawakian will be proud of.
“Unlike the other parts of Malaysia, which are plagued by conflicts, divisiveness and extremisms.
“But I am very happy that in Sarawak we just ‘tengok saja’ (look only),” he said at the 12th Sarawak Election workers appreciation night held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight.
The celebration was officiated by Abang Johari which was attended by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties leaders from SUPP, Parti Bersatu Bumiputera Sarawak (PBB), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
Commending Abang Johari’s leadership, Dr Sim emphasised that the 12th Sarawak Election result was the best ever in Sarawak’s election history, with GPS winning a huge majority, obtaining 76 out of the 82 seats.
“This proves that the people have spoken clearly of their support for Sarawak-based parties and rejected Peninsula-based parties,” he said.
This, he added, was also owed to Abang Johari’s wisdom, courage and leadership in 2018 in making the most important decision – taking Sarawak out of Barisan Nasional (BN) and forming GPS.
Dr Sim, who led SUPP to win 13 out of 18 seats contested and was appointed Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, also reminded that the election triumph meant the people of Sarawak expect GPS to fulfill the 34-points manifesto.
“They look forward to the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 which covers all aspects of development from infrastructure to digital economy and increasing the average household income from RM5,000 to RM15,000, including reinstating Sarawak rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Indeed, we have a lot of work to do and very heavy responsibilities rest on the shoulders of Abang Johari and the rest of the Sarawak Cabinet as well as GPS elected representatives,” he said.
Dr Sim also extended appreciation to all GPS components parties of SUPP, PBB, PDP and PRS as well as volunteers and supporters for coming together during the election, otherwise GPS would not have been able to achieve such amazing results.
Deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan as well as PRS deputy president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum and PDP vice president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep were also present at the event. — DayakDaily
