By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Dec 2: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg preferred to tackle the increasing cost of living rather than dwelling on petty issues such as the teaching of Jawi or khat calligraphy in schools.
“I do not want to be dragged into this petty issue. To me it is very petty. Why should we be dragged into this petty issue? We have to tackle the rising cost of living.
“That should be our prime concern. And how to help people. We must try as much as possible to get our economy strong. That is our top priority,” Abang Johari said at a press conference held at his office here today.
When pressed further on Sarawak’s position on the issue Abang Johari replied: “Be it Jawi or calligraphy, we have our own (education) policy. That’s why we do not want petty things to come to Sarawak.
“We are more concerned about our income levels, and creating employment. We should not be bothered about what is happening in that side (Peninsular Malaysia).”
Meanwhile, when asked whether Sarawak was ready to take up the offer made by Petronas as suggested by Prime Minster Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to buy its shares in Sarawak, Abang Johari clarified that even in his previous statement, he never mentioned that Sarawak was ready to take the offer but instead “would study it first (should the offer ever be made). —DayakDaily
