Many Sarawakians left out of mainstream devt – deputy minister

KUCHING: Many Sarawakians from different racial backgrounds have been left out of the mainstream of development under the previous administration, says Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen.

“This is unfair to the people,” Chong said when officiating at the Sarawak-level Nationhood Story Programme at Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce auditorium in Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Batu Lintang here yesterday.

“A peaceful and harmonious Malaysia cannot exist without the principle of fairness”

He said most Sarawkians felt that their rights and interests were not given enough focus by the previous administration.

As an example, the date of the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963 was not given any significance until recently, he said, adding that patriotism could be nurtured by understanding the true history of the formation of the country.

“We must know the history (of Sarawak) and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He said Malaysia would not have been formed without MA63.

He said the current debacle was created by the previous government which ruled Sarawak for 55 years, and it would take some time to correct all the injustice done.

“We promise to do our very best to rectify the mistakes made by the previous government.

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” he said quoting one of the American presidents' statement.

The Nationhood Story Programme 2018 Sarawak-level is a platform for the people to voice their opinions, views and personal manifestations on nationhood programmes organised by the country's leaders.

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong Wui Wui, Information Dept Sarawak director Abang Sardon Abang Hashim and Dr Hassnalee Tubah representing IPG Batu Lintang campus director, also attended the programme.