Premier: If Lee Kuan Yew could transform swampy island into Singapore, Sarawak can change too

Abang Johari speaking at the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur Award 2022 ceremony tonight (Jan 13, 2022). Photo credit: Ukas livestream

By Ling Hui

KUCHING, Jan 13: The Sarawak government can transform Sarawak into a powerful region too if former Singapore president Lee Kuan Yew could develop a swampy island into Singapore.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this when attending the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur Award 2022 ceremony held at a local hotel here tonight.

“…which was a swampy island, but Lee Kuan Yew transformed the island. Singapore does not really have (natural) resources compared to Sarawak.

“Sarawak, as you all know, has a lot of resources. That’s why I say, if Lee Kuan Yew could do it, we can also change Sarawak (for the better),” said Abang Johari.

He said while Singapore lacks resources, it possesses great talents. Sarawak, on the other hand, has abundant resources.

Abang Johari added that talent can always be trained and he is confident that Sarawakians are all driven for improvement.

“Resources, you cannot find, because it’s natural. Brainpower (talent), you can train. (You) acquire knowledge through our educational system, not forgetting your desire to improve yourself.

“This is it, the difference between Singapore and us, Sarawak. I am confident that with you around, you who are very keen and having that desire to change Sarawak, we can also make Sarawak like Singapore,” he added. — DayakDaily