SPAOH, March 6: Sarawakians are now more confident and appreciative of efforts made by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in restoring the State’s eroded rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this was proven through the full support of the people when GPS won 76 out of 82 seats contested in the recent 12th Sarawak Election.
“Sarawakians are more confident in the ability of local party leaders under the chairmanship of Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in fighting for our rights.
“They did not have such confidence in local leaders of Peninsular Malaysia-based parties to shoulder the responsibility. Thus, they had been less enthusiastic about voting for their candidates,” he said when officiating at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Babu, Banting, and Suri sub-branches triennial delegate meeting here today.
Uggah, who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman, further assured the people that the GPS government would continue with the fight to restore Sarawak’s rights provided that the people continue to give their support and remain united in the purpose.
“We (State government) have made some great achievements like the State sales tax (SST) on petroleum products. However, talks are ongoing on the other rights,” he added.
Another significant move made by the GPS government was to change the title of ‘Chief Minister’ to ‘Premier’.
Uggah said the title change was to differentiate Sarawak from other states in Peninsular Malaysia.
He also mentioned that the triennial delegate meeting was held to discover young and new leaders at the grassroots level.
He stressed that it was important to have leaders who were in sync with the situation and the people’s aspirations and expectations in their respective areas.
“We want them to voice these to top party leaders and government leaders to help them formulate relevant policies and plans.
“Then, our people can participate in the State’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“The rural folk can, for instance, undertake modern agriculture activities to generate more income so that they can then raise their standard of living,” said Uggah.
Political secretary to Premier of Sarawak Dr Richard Rapu coordinated the meetings. ― DayakDaily
