PKR hopes Abang Jo will pursue religious freedom, NCR land issues
KUCHING: The state Parti Keadilan Rakyat ( PKR) is optimistic that new Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg will maintain Sarawakians’ right to freedom of religion as championed by the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
In congratulating Abang Johari on his appointment as the new chief minister, state PKR chairman Baru Bian said he was also hopeful that Abang Johari would pursue the native customary rights (NCR) land issue that had been burdening the native communities.
“We call upon him, as one of his first acts in office, to ensure that the Land Code is amended to incorporate the concept of pemakai menoa and pulau galau as NCR land.
“This will be a very meaningful and momentous start to his role as Chief Minister of Sarawak, and signal to the people that he truly has their interests at heart,” he said.
Baru, who is Ba Kelalan assemblyman, believed that Abang Johari had come to understand the matters that are of great concern to the people of Sarawak from what Adenan had prioritised, which gave him the popular vote from Sarawakians.
“We hope he (Abang Johari) will continue where the late Chief Minister left off and forge ahead with issues that were close to Adenan Satem’s heart, such as autonomy, petroleum royalty, education and illegal logging, just to name a few.”
As an experienced leader, being a nine-term assemblyman, Baru described the appointment of Abang Johari as the new Chief Minister as auguring well for Sarawak’s political stability.
“We appreciate the fact that the appointment was made without delay to ensure the continuing smooth administration of the state and to avoid speculations.”
On a personal level, Baru said he had always found Abang Johari to be very approachable and looked forward to working together with him for a better Sarawak.