Najib not a leader who makes empty promises, says CM

KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is a leader who has the interest and welfare of the people in the state close to his heart.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg said Najib had visited Sarawak and announced allocations to stimulate economic growth of the state on many occasions.

“He has come all the way from Kuala Lumpur to be with us. He is not a leader who makes empty promises and comes to Sarawak empty-handed. Under his leadership, the multi-billion Pan-Borneo Highway project has been implemented. He also allowed the acquisition of Bakun (hydroelectric dam) from the Federal Government,” Abdul Rahman Zohari said at Sarawak United Peoples’ Party’s (SUPP) 24th triennial delegates conference here yesterday.

Najib, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, officiated the closing ceremony of the conference.

Abdul Rahman Zohari, who is Sarawak BN chairman, said Najib’s leadership was different from his predecessor, who had been prime minister for 22 years.

He recalled attempts by the Federal Government to take over the management of state-owned power company, Syarikat Sesco Bhd, when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the prime minister.

“The state government, however, told the Federal Government to pay RM1 billion in compensation for the assets if the latter wanted to take over Sesco,” he said, adding that the proposal fell through.

The chief minister, in jest, also said he might have been jailed over the state’s pursuance to restore its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 if Dr Mahathir was still prime minister.

“This prime minister (Najib)… he listens. We Sarawakians are not greedy. We just want to get back and restore our rights,” Abdul Rahman Zohari said.

Earlier, SUPP president Prof Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian echoed the sentiments of the chief minister.

“The prime minister has given Sarawak more allocations in the past eight years than the other person who has held the same position for 22 years,” Dr Sim said.

He is not a leader who... comes to Sarawak empty-handed. Under his leadership, the multibillion Pan-Borneo Highway project has been implemented.