Abg Jo hints at major success in October
LAWAS: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg says he is looking forward to another major success in talks with the federal government in October.
It is believed to be related to the state water grid proposed by the state government.
Without elaborating further, he said: “Let us all pray that it will happen as if they give (it) to us, then our RM8 billion water grid system will not have any problems (being rolled out),” he said at the laying of foundation of the RM50-million Centex Lawas yesterday.
Abang Johari said the water grid system is important as it is a multi-pronged approach to overcome water shortage or distribution woes in the state by tapping into its water resources like the HEP dams which can also serve as source of raw material to create hydrogen fuel.
The state has already been approached by potential hydrogen fuel customers from Japan to explore the possibility of using this fuel as an alternative to nuclear fuel for its power plants.
The chief minister had earlier on pointed to the list of achievements by the state, including regaining the rights to manage Bakun Dam, raising the state’s equity from 15 to 25 percent in MLNG Tiga and establishment of Petros to participate in the exploration and production of its oil and gas resources.
“On our rights under MA63, we do it our way in stages and not hastily, and Petros could be as good as Petronas,” he said.
Earlier on, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the centre will provide technical training for those in Limbang, Lawas and other parts of northern Sarawak.
“Graduates can be involved in SMEs or technical jobs as Lawas has been tailored to become the skills development hub of northern Sarawak,” he said.
The emphasis on digital technology-driven economy by the chief minister, he added, is a necessity and not a choice.
He called on voters in Limbang and Lawas to show their undivided support to the leaders of Barisan Nasional (BN) by giving a roaring mandate to the BN candidates in the state, particularly in Lawas and Limbang constituencies, when casting their votes on May 9.
“If possible, we want the incumbents in Lawas and Limbang to be returned unopposed, and Sarawak winning all the 31 seats for BN, giving our Chief Minister a big mandate in dealings with the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak,” he said.
State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, State Secretary Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Gani, caretaker Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Datuk Henry Sum Agong who is BN candidate for Lawas parliamentary seat, Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Limbang incumbent Hasbi Habibolah and Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang were present.