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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 8: Sarawak will not play up racial sentiments, but rather, it will focus on further developing and strengthening the economy to grow the “pie” of wealth and resources to create a fair and prosperous future for all Sarawakians.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg thus emphasised the need for a solid social foundation built on unity and inclusivity to achieve political stability and enable a focused approach towards economic development.
“That is why the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government won big by securing 76 out of 82 seats in the last election. We don’t play up racial sentiments,” he said when addressing the opening ceremony of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) 77th Annual General Meeting at a hotel today.
As the world rapidly advances with high technology and given the present and future challenges, Abang Johari stressed that the main objective now is to concentrate on the continued growth and fortification of Sarawak’s economy.
“The ‘cake’ is there to be shared; you don’t have to rush to grab a piece of the (economic or wealth) ‘pie’ once the pie gets bigger.
“Our economy must be developed to expand the ‘pie’, and the fruits of economic progress will be distributed and shared,” he added.
With that, the Premier reiterated that ensuring sustainability, economic prosperity, and social cohesion are crucial to serving as the building blocks for a resilient and vibrant economy that can facilitate the distribution of wealth to all segments of society.
With a strong social foundation, he said political stability would naturally follow to ensure focus on developing the economy.
In line with this vision, Sarawak is poised to harness the power of advanced technologies, innovation and abundant natural resources, including renewable energy, to propel the State forward.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, ACCCIM president Senator Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan, and ACCIM Sarawak president Dato Tan Jit Kee were among those present. — DayakDaily
