By Karen Bong
SRI AMAN, Oct 31: Sarawakians must steer Sarawak’s boat carefully as it approaches the coming election, as attempts to create division and political turbulence could undermine the unity that has supported its development.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg likened Sarawak to a boat entering a race, warning that there could be “benak”, the tidal bore phenomenon, along the way, particularly from those who were jealous of the State’s progress.
He urged the people to remain united and vigilant against elements seeking to disrupt Sarawak’s political stability and social cohesion.
“As you know, we will soon be entering a boat race. There may even be some ‘benak’ along the way. So, we must know how to steer our boat carefully.
“The boat is called Sarawak. There are people who may try to create waves and turbulence. When they see Sarawak doing so well, some become jealous and may attempt to divide us,” he said when officiating the Sarawakku Sayang programme for Sri Aman Division at the Sri Aman Sports Complex today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
Abang Johari stressed that the responsibility of developing and protecting Sarawak should transcend individual political interests, emphasising that the State’s progress was a collective undertaking.
“Our work is not for me, not for (Datuk Amar) Douglas (Uggah Embas), and not for the leaders currently in office. All of us are working for Sarawak. We must look after ourselves and our own State,” he stressed.
He also reminded Sarawakians that although democracy allowed individuals and parties to contest elections, maintaining Sarawak’s unity and looking after its people must remain the priority.
Referring to the late former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, he recalled his message: “No one can manage Sarawak better than Sarawakians themselves.”
“We do not want outsiders coming in only to cause problems, and ultimately cancel our bridges again,” he added.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government had worked hard to increase revenue and ensure its benefits were shared fairly among the people, regardless of ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic background.
He cited assistance for university students, including free tertiary education, scholarships and other forms of support, as examples of policies intended to benefit all Sarawakians.
He urged the people to protect the unity that had enabled Sarawak to advance, saying the State must not allow political differences to derail its development aspirations.
“We must reflect on who we are and look after our own home. When our circumstances are stable, we can deliver what (Datuk) Malcolm (Mussen Lamoh) mentioned earlier,” he added.
Among the distinguished guests present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investment, who is also the minister in charge of Sarawakku Sayang for Sri Aman Division, Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh. — DayakDaily
