KUCHING, June 13: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg says that through new local pact Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), his administration will adapt to the aspirations and desires of Sarawakians, particularly on their call for transparency.
He added that efforts would be made to strengthen collaboration between the four GPS component parties and that the needs of the rural populace would also be given due attention.
“The voters of Sarawak have voiced out their desire for a fresh new government, hence, the state government has decided to exit Barisan Nasional (BN) to form Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), in line with the aspirations of Sarawakians.
“On behalf of GPS, I would like to thank BN for the relationship that we (Sarawakian parties) had with it all this while,” he said in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message released this afternoon.
On development, Abang Johari said the government would double its efforts to strengthen the state’s economy while continuing its basic infrastructure projects like buildings roads and bridges.
“The state government will also continue to do its best to accommodate those who are less fortunate,” he said.
On the rural areas, Abang Johari said due attention would be given to provide basic infrastructure development like treated water, as this has been the main woe of rural communities along the coast of Sarawak.
Residents in places like Kabong, Dalat, Maludam, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Sebangan and Sebuyau were facing difficulties in their daily lives because of no proper treated water supply, he noted.
“Recently, I went to Kabong, Dalat and Sadong to see for myself and came up with a solution. Temporarily the state government is providing them with water tanks and lorries bringing fresh water supplies every now and then to face the Hari Raya celebration.
“The state government will try its best to come up with a permanent solution without having to depend wholly on the federal government and to ensure the state water grid project would succeed.”
On the coming Hari Raya celebration, Abang Johari reminded all Sarawakians, regardless of their race and creed, to preserve unity and harmony in the state.
He said religious, cultural and political differences should not become a barrier between Sarawakians to ensure Sarawak moved towards a developed state status.
“It has been our (Sarawak) culture to be able to celebrate auspicious events and celebrations together despite our religious and cultural differences.
“Let us continue the spirit of harmony, celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with the spirit of goodwill between our Muslim friends and those of other religious beliefs.”
In conjunction with Ramadan, Abang Johari reminded Muslims to remember those who were not as fortunate as them, regardless of their race and religion.
“Ramadan is not just about fasting or going without food and drinks for a day. It is also to remind oneself to stay away from obsessive materialistic and selfish desires that could hurt oneself or other people.
“Therefore, let us remembers those who are less fortunate and lend them all the help we can so that they can celebrate Hari Raya with gratitude.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Office released a circular stating that Abang Johari and his wife, Datin Patinggi Datuk Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, would be hosting a Hari Raya Open House at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on the first and second day of Hari Raya (June 15 and 16) from 10am to 4pm.
Members of the public and well-wishers are cordially invited to the open house. Regular bus shuttle services would be provided to visitors from the bus stop at Jalan Masjid and the old Dewan Undangan Negri building on both days. — DayakDaily
