By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, April 16: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Open welcomes Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as the new incoming Singapore Prime Minister.
Abang Johari said this following the current Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s announcement yesterday (April 15) to step down as the country’s leader on May 15.
Since Singapore’s independence in 1965, the country has had three prime ministers, each serving notably lengthy terms with Lee Hsien Loong, the son of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, assuming office in 2004.
According to Abang Johari, the Sarawak government has been working closely with Singapore, with Wong holding a good perspective and understanding towards the relationship between countries (Singapore and Malaysia), and especially between Singapore and Sarawak.
“We have met Lawrence Wong and apparently, he has quite a good view on the collaboration between on the understanding of Singapore and Malaysia, particularly Singapore and Sarawak.
“I’m sure it will be a smooth transition, with the same government, the same leaders. Only the ‘commanders’ have changed. We will just continue with what we have been working together (on), particularly in energy collaboration,” he said when met by reporters during his visit to Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais’ Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Jalan Bako here today.
Abang Johari also commended the Singaporean government for their support of families in the B40 group by providing aid in the form of food vouchers.
“When talking about targeted assistance, I think Singapore has a good one,” he said.
Also present at Naroden’s Aidilfitri open house was Deputy Minister of Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Syaeed Aman Ghazali. — DayakDaily
