Abang Johari says Sarawak blessed with racial, religious harmony

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on the people to continue living in peace and harmony through respect and tolerance.

He said the difference in races and religions, and culture should not become an issue and hindrance for the people in the state to respect and accept each other.

“Here in Sarawak, we are very fortunate because religions and races have never become an issue for us to live together in peace and harmony, and it is hoped that the relationship among the various races be further strengthened.

“The difference that we have in our racial composition and religious beliefs should not divide us, but a factor to unite us,”Abang Johari said in his Gawai Dayak message.

He was glad to note that the people of different races and religions are able to sit down together to share their experience and stories in life, adding that such practices must continue to prevail.

Abang Johari also said he will

Here in Sarawak, we are very fortunate because religion and race have never become an issue for us to live together in peace and harmony, and it is hoped that the relationship among the various races be further strengthened. Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister

continue to carry out the policies laid by the late former Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, including fighting for the state’s rights which has been eroded and discussion with Petronas, among others.

The chief minister further said he has taken various initiatives and giving focus on developing the state towards digital economy, which will give plenty of economic opportunities to the people.

“The state requires a fast Internet network to support our digital economy effort in the next 10 years and I have stated my commitment to spend RM1 billion to develop information and communication technology ( ICT) infrastructure including building 5,000 telecommunication towers across the state,” he said.

According to him, the state should be able to have its own financial resources to generate infrastructure development and provide facilities for the people, adding that the state could no longer depend on federal allocation which had delayed the state development process.

The state, he said has set up Development Bank of Sarawak ( DBOS) as the state own financing source to implement several strategic projects like repairing dilapidated schools in rural areas.

Abang Johari stressed that the initiatives that he announced were not rhetoric, stressing that they would be implemented successfully.