MUKAH, Sept 8: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is calling on Sarawakians to continue supporting Sarawak-based parties in the coming state elections to ensure all development projects being carried out by the state government now will continue and be completed in the next five years.
He said Sarawakians must be united and support Sarawak-based parties, namely Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), so that all development projects currently being carried out, and those in the pipeline, can be completed, and Sarawakians would reap the benefit from these development projects and programmes.
“There are many development projects that I would want to carry out, but they all need time to be completed. I don’t have Aladdin’s magic lamp. Even this Muara Lassa bridge would need at least five years to complete,” he said, adding that there are no less than 10 bridges to be built and are being built by the state government for the RM11 billion Coastal Road Network project.
Abang Johari made these remarks during the earth-breaking ceremony for the Muara Lassa bridge here this morning, when highlighting the impact the bridge would bring to the rural people along the coastal road.
He said as Sarawakians have continued to be united and live in peace and mutual respect with each other regardless of race and creed, Sarawak parties in GPS managed to continue administering the state and bring all sorts of development projects focussing on the rural areas.
This is despite Putrajaya withdrawing approval for many development projects in Sarawak following the change of government, he added.
“Let Sarawakians administer Sarawak. Only Sarawakians know what is best for Sarawak.
“When Putrajaya said they have no money for Sarawak’s development, we, the responsible GPS state government, took over to ensure Sarawakians will benefit from the development,” said Abang Johari.
He also gave assurance that despite Putrajaya’s lack of funding for Sarawak, the state government managed to find additional sources of revenue for the state from its oil and gas resources, including imposing the five per cent oil and gas sales tax.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Jemut Masing also called on Sarawakians to continue supporting the present state government under the leadership of Abang Johari, saying that all development projects would need time before their benefits could become apparent.
“We build you roads and bridges; please continue to support GPS so that these development projects would continue. We must also be united in supporting each other.
“Otherwise, without your support, we would not be able to fulfill your wishes for these infrastructure developments to be completed.
“That is all we are asking for. Please support our Chief Minister as he has been working very hard to provide for us,” said Masing. — DayakDaily
