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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 17: The Federal government must prioritise the development of Sarawak and Sabah to remain competitive with neighbouring countries, particularly Indonesia, which is actively developing its regions in line with its new capital, Nusantara.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed the significance of bolstering border security and enhancing cross-border facilities, including the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes.
He highlighted this when addressing the 2023 Malaysia Day celebration held at the Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya, which was attended by dignitaries including acting Head of State Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Puan Sri Fatimah Mohd Iskandar; Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and wife Dato Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and wife Datin Seri Juliah Salang last night (Sept 16).
Furthermore, Abang Johari also underscored that only a strong Federal government operating in a politically stable environment is capable of focusing on the needs of the entire country, especially those of Sarawak and Sabah.
“Alhamdullilah, in Sarawak, the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government has received a large mandate from the people in the last State Election, enabling us to plan and implement the State’s economic development with clear and concrete policies,” he said.
Abang Johari added that whether it is by coincidence, it is fitting for everyone to be gathered in Kuching, the City of Unity, and more so in Stadium Perpaduan (Unity Stadium) to celebrate Malaysia Day, which was founded 60 years ago based on unity and camaraderie among the multi-racial and multi-religious people of this land.
“And, again, by coincidence or otherwise, Malaysia is now administered by a unity government under the leadership of our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he said.
Rather than debating on the historical dates as both Aug 31, 1957 (Malaya independence) and Sept 16, 1963 (formation of Malaysia) are important, Abang Johari stressed that the focus should be on uniting regions and the nation while ensuring that development is carried out equally in each region.
“What is important is that Malaysia Day celebration should make all Malaysians aware that the land of Malaysia exists from Kangar to Kuching and on to Kota Kinabalu in the East,” he added. — DayakDaily
