By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 12: The bountiful harvest in Sarawak today is the result of collective efforts and hard work from top to bottom to position Sarawak as the most developed region by 2030.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted this in expressing his recognition for the hard work from all sectors driving Sarawak’s success.
“We don’t quarrel among ourselves but celebrate all festivals together in a harmonious atmosphere, while safeguarding our strong and unified culture. That’s how unique Sarawak is.
“With such an alliance of culture, it transitions into wealth for Sarawak. We join forces to develop Sarawak, and today we are recognised as a high-income region,” he said when addressing the Premier of Sarawak’s Department Gawai Dayak celebration at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex which was broadcast live through Ukas channels today.
Reflecting the spirit of Gawai, which is to honour a good harvest of the land, he expressed pride that Sarawak too has reaped a bountiful harvest, with last year’s revenue totalling RM13.3 billion.
“That is a good harvest for Sarawak. Hopefully we will see the same amount or better harvest at the end of this year,” he said.
Futhermore, Abang Johari pointed out that many international experts are in Kuching presently to explore Sarawak’s potential in the new economy, particularly hydrogen.
“These experts have expressed surprise at what we have done in the hydrogen economy. They are taking us as an example, where the government is committed in carbon emissions reduction and pursuing the new economy as part of our development agenda.
“But this doesn’t stop here as more needs to be done and accomplished,” he reminded.
Moving ahead, Abang Johari stressed the importance for continuous efforts and hard work to elevate the livelihood of the people to match Sarawak’s high income status by the World Bank.
“Upholding the Gawai spirit and with our strong alliance, we will continue to develop Sarawak towards the new economy and a bright future for a merrier Gawai in the future,” he said.
Abang Johari also expressed appreciation to the Bidayuh community for hosting a splendid Gawai Dayak celebration this year.
Premier’s wife Datin Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik, cabinet ministers and heads of departments were among those present.
Meanwhile, Premier will be officiating the Gawai Dayak cultural parade at Waterfront Kuching coming Saturday (June 15) while a Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner to be held on June 22 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) is expected to be officiated by Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. — DayakDaily
