By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 12: The “Kenyalang bird” will fly and pop in to check on areas for development, but the “rocket” will leave the ground and people behind once launched.
Using this metaphor to describe the political culture of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) versus the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP), Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reminded the people of Sarawak that it will be a shame to be fooled twice.
As the 15th General Election (GE15) is fast approaching, he urged people to open up their eyes and ears and judge what is the best for Sarawak, while reminding them of the 22-months under Pakatan Harapan (PH) rule and the instability created by the power struggle among Peninsular-based parties that could derail development planned for Sarawak.
“Remember the time under Pakatan when projects in Sarawak were cancelled including the Batang Lupar Bridge that had been taken over by the State government. It is expected to be completed by 2025, and was set to beat even the San Francisco Bridge. That is how stunning it will be.
“And now they (Opposition) want to ask for votes,” he said when addressing the Sarawakku Sayang Programme held at Lingga town, Sri Aman today.
Abang Johari emphasised that GPS is the only coalition that will put Sarawak and her people as first priority as even during the political crisis, the Sarawak government has ensured development continued to be implemented such as roads, bridges and various other projects.
“Our unity is the most important. There are no others who will understand and care for Sarawak like we do. This is our culture and we have planned ahead for Sarawak to be prosperous and sustainable.
“That’s why we want to send as many GPS candidates into Parliament (this GE15) and if possible all 31 of them so that we can amplify Sarawak’s voice in Putrajaya that will in turn ensure smooth and continuous development in Sarawak,” he said.
Stability and harmony, he stressed, is the core for a country’s development and Sarawak is fortunate to have and maintained them, unlike in Peninsula Malaysia which has witnessed a change of three prime ministers in three years.
Throughout the country’s political crisis, Abang Johari said that Sarawak had played a significant role in determining the prime minister to lead the country, from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to Datuk Patinggi Ismail Sabri Yaakob because it cares for Malaysia.
“That’s the problem with the power struggle. One pulling the left leg, the other pulling the right leg.
“Enough with this change of power like playing a game of musical chairs.
“Why should the country play this game that will jeopardise development which is crucial for the country and people to continue to prosper and move forward, when people are the ones who will suffer the circumstances,” he added.
For the Batang Lupar seat, Abang Johari said GPS has fielded a young and educated candidate, Mohamad Shafizan Kepli to take over from incumbent Dato Sri Rohani Abdul Karim so that there can be collaboration between young and experienced leaders.
“I am thankful to Rohani who has decided to give way to younger people after serving for such long years.
“Rohani will continue to serve the people in other capacities as a chairperson of the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA),” he said.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang and former State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion were among those present. — DayakDaily
