By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 19: Sarawak has emerged as the strongest State in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said Malaysia, in the 90s, despite many limitations, achieved a status that is respected in the Asean region and was recognised as one of the Asean tigers.
Today, the same country with the same people and resources have lost zeal, respect and recognition, for which he stressed the important role of good governance.
However, he acknowledged Sarawak’s political stability and successes especially in tapping into the potential of hydrogen as a new energy resource to elevate its economy.
“That is why despite me giving suggestions and scolding to Premier of Sarawak (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg), I cannot deny this one statement that Sarawak has now emerged as the strongest State in Malaysia,” he said during a State banquet held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here earlier tonight.
Anwar also apologised to Abang Johari for not bringing him along during the former’s recent visit to Jakarta, Indonesia where he revealed that Sarawak became one of the main subjects in his discussion with Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
“Last week I went to Jakarta. In the four-eye meeting with Jokowi, we talked about Sarawak’s strength and investment for Indonesia including the country’s new capital Nusantara.
“Thus, I seek forgiveness because due to the hectic situation, I should have brought along Abang Johari together in the delegation because Sarawak became a main topic during my discussion with Jokowi,” he added.
At the same time, Anwar stated that with endless politicking situation in Malaya and Sabah, both of them should learn from Sarawak on the practice of unity among Sarawakians.
“I am aware that some of them are very pious—the Muslims go to mosques, the Christians go to church, but that does not prevent us (from being united).
“The difference between the Penan and the Melanau or the Chinese, the difference is big but that did not stop them from being friends,” he emphasised.
Amongst those present were Abang Johari, Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian. — DayakDaily
