By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, May 18: The appointment of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy president Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem comes at a critical time when Sarawak needs greater foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
In pointing this out, SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting said, the three countries have been Malaysia’s traditional trading partners.
“Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have been Malaysia’s important traditional trading partners. So, with Datuk Seri Richard Riot’s appointment as the Prime Minister’s special envoy to these three countries, we hoped that it will bring much benefits to Malaysia in general and to Sarawak in particular,” Ting told DayakDaily when contacted today.
Ting reiterated that Riot could assist Sarawak in attracting investors to Sarawak as it has vast natural resources including sustainable green energy.
“Besides that, we are also looking forward for greater opportunity to promote our tourism industry to these developed countries. This is line with the policy outline by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg whereby tourism is one of the main pillars of our future development,” said Ting, who is also Assistant Minister of Tourism.
He hoped that there will be more joint-tourism promotions whereby Sarawak can participate to promote its rich biodiversity and colourful culture and traditions.
“We hope the tourism industry will pick up steam again when once the Covid-19 pandemic subsided. But now we need to plan for the future,” Ting reiterated.
Meanwhile, president of Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations Datuk Richard Wee said the appointment of both Riot and Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who has been appointed as special envoy to China, augurs well for Sarawak.
“It goes to show that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin appreciates Sarawak’s contribution to the country.
“At the same time, we are hopeful that these two gentlemen will carry out their duties for the future development of Sarawak,” said Wee. – DayakDaily
