Abg Jo announces Federal-State action committee on developing Sarawak
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced on Saturday the formation of a joint action committee by the Sarawak government and federal government.
"It is aimed at giving focus for development in Sarawak," he said when speaking at an appreciation dinner held for retiring Federal Secretary Dato Mansor Man at a leading hotel on Friday night.
According to Abang Johari, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has agreed that the committee's joint chairmen are Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas representing Sarawak and Federal Works Minister Baru Bian representing the Federal Government.
Uggah, who is Bukit Saban assemblyman, was himself once a cabinet minister in the previous federal government under Barisan Nasional. The four ruling parties in Sarawak have quit BN after the 14th General Election and formed Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Baru, who is also PKR Sarawak chairman, is the MP for Selangau and was appointed to the federal cabinet after Pakatan Harapan took over the federal government.
Sarawak government under GPS has been vocal of late about more development funds for the state.
Meanwhile, the dinner was held by the Sarawak government for Mansor who will officially retire from the civil service effective May 13 this year. He has been serving as Federal Secretary in Sarawak for the past one year and nine months.
Abang Johari noted that Mansor faced certain challenges as he came to Sarawak at the time when the federal government changed hands after the general elections.
“But he managed to deliver his best while serving in Sarawak.
“We in Sarawak are very grateful that we have established a very good working relationship for the sake of the rakyat," he added.
The Chief Minister also said the development of dilipidated schools in Sarawak had found a formula with the federal government and this would benefit the students in the state.
Meanwhile, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani said in his speech that Mansor had understood the situation in Sarawak well despite his short service, which made it easier for him to carry out his duties effectively.
The federal secretary had also established a good working relationship between the state and federal governments to benefit the rakyat, he added.
Mansor in his speech said he faced no problems during his tenure working in Sarawak.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Government for the good cooperation given to him.
Also present were Uggah and another Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. James Jemut Masing, state cabinet ministers and assistant ministers, Deputy State Secretaries and heads of government departments.