By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Nov 15: ‘Mountains on land, islands at sea’—this is what Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants future generations of Sarawakians to become.
During the launching of the Miri–Marudi, Marudi–Mulu (Kuala Melinau), and Long Panai–Long Lama (MMMLL) Road Project at the Marudi Light Industrial Area today, the Premier expressed his hope for Sarawakians to become capable, resilient, and productive individuals who grow strong and stand tall like mountains, and who remain firm and independent like islands.
Using rare earth elements (REEs) as an example, Abang Johari said Sarawak will not export these resources, as they are crucial for advanced technologies and are increasingly in demand by renewable energy industries.
Instead, he said, REEs should be utilised locally, with Sarawakians themselves taking the lead in processing them.
He added that with Sarawak’s free tertiary education scheme, which is expected to be implemented next year, more Sarawakians will have the opportunity to pursue higher studies and acquire the knowledge needed to drive the State’s technological and economic advancement.
“That is why we want to produce knowledgeable graduates. No matter their backgrounds, as long as they can enter a State-owned university, all (fees) will be paid by the Sarawak government.
“We give back to anak Sarawak so that in the long-term, it will benefit us,” he said during his speech at the event, which was live-streamed by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government and Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) and Marudi assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala; Baram MP Dato Anyi Ngau; and Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau were among those present. — DayakDaily
