By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 15: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today took a swipe at the Democratic Action Party (DAP), mocking its rocket symbol while defending Sarawak’s development ambitions.
Speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Southern Zone Convention at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here, Abang Johari said ambassadors from Saudi Arabia and Russia had visited Sarawak, with discussions including interest in collaborating on rocket launches in the State due to its location in the tropical region.
However, he said Sarawak was more interested in developing its own satellite capabilities than pursuing rocket launches.
“We are not particularly interested in rockets. We already have the rocket [DAP] here, but it is only a picture. It divides people. That is the same rocket telling us to stop Tanjung Embang and stop ART. That rocket never takes off; it remains in the same situation,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also PBB president, further said Sarawak was instead working towards launching its own nano-satellites and CubeSats from the State by 2030, with the aim of having Sarawakian scientists lead the effort.
“We want to launch our satellites with our own Sarawakian scientists,” he said.
He added that Sarawak already had its own space agency, chaired by Tan Sri Effendi Norwawi, whom he described as an experienced Sarawakian who had returned to contribute to the State’s space economy.
He also highlighted the return of a Malaysian who had previously headed the United Arab Emirates’ space agency to serve as chief executive officer of Sarawak’s space economy.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s growing economic strength would help it emerge as a hub for ASEAN and regional development, adding that international interest in the State reflected its growing profile.
His remarks came amid criticism from DAP leaders over major infrastructure projects. Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen had, during the Sarawak Budget 2027 debate on October 14, urged the State government to halt further development of the ART project, reconsider the proposed new Kuching International Airport and scrap the proposed deep-sea port, citing concerns over spending and consecutive budget deficits. — DayakDaily
