By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, March 28: The Sarawak Business Federation’s (SBF) establishment is a sign that Sarawak is getting rid of racial business practices.
SBF president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg said the idea to establish the federation had been around since 15 years ago.
However, he and his current deputy Datuk Philip Ting failed to get it established at that time because all chambers of commerce were working in silos.
In this regard, he gave an example where the Chinese Chamber of Commerce at that time would only promote businesses among the Chinese community, while the Malay Chamber of Commerce would promote businesses to their own.
“At that time, I don’t think that Sarawak could move forward if we think along with that mindset.
“Therefore, it took Datuk Philip and me more than 10 years to persuade the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak to get rid of that mentality of only looking after our respective chambers.
“We have to come together, and only then will the government listen to us,” he said when speaking at a business delegation dinner organised by SBF and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia held at Pullman Hotel in Kuching tonight.
He further commended Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s remark that the private sector can only make a difference when they are united in developing the State’s economy.
“Even though you have a good and beautiful five- or 10-year plan, if the private sector is not there to implement it, it will only remain a plan,” he added. ― DayakDaily
