By Karen Bong
SIBU, July 11: Nearly 10,000 people attended the Sarawakku Sayang programme at Tun Tuanku Bujang Square here today, marking the highest turnout recorded so far at any location and reflecting strong public support for the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation and Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the overwhelming response from the people of Sibu demonstrated their confidence and appreciation towards the Premier’s leadership over almost a decade.
“This shows a strong manifestation of the support of the people of Sibu towards the leadership of the Premier of Sarawak,” he said when addressing the crowd at the programme officiated by Abang Johari today.
Dr Annuar said the large gathering represented the way the people of Sibu expressed their appreciation and affection towards their leader by coming out in large numbers.
“As of last night, I was informed by the State Secretary that 21,000 people had attended (Sarawakku Sayang programmes), with the target being 30,000. Today, we have already achieved that target, and Sarawakku Sayang in Sibu is not over yet,” he said.
Abang Johari officiated the launching of the programme, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and many Sarawak leaders.
Dr Annuar emphasised that the turnout reflected that Sarawak was moving in the right direction under Abang Johari’s leadership.
He also highlighted that the Premier’s administration had introduced various policies benefiting all segments of society, saying no community in Sarawak had been left behind.
He said Sarawak’s development direction had also gained international recognition, citing economist Joseph Stiglitz’s remarks at the Future Sarawak Forum last October that Sarawak had “got its four Es right” — economy, energy, environment and education.
“The recognition by a world-renowned economist shows that Sarawak is no longer just a local player, but is recognised globally for its forward-looking policies that cover all layers of society,” he said.
Dr Annuar expressed confidence that Sarawak would continue progressing under Abang Johari’s leadership. — DayakDaily
