Progress for all
Abang Johari says state govt strives to bring progress to all communities, warns against playing up racial sentiments
KUCHING: The state government remains committed in ensuring that every community in Sarawak would receive and enjoy development.
According to Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, this is the core focus of his administration, adding that he would go all out in looking after the interests of every Sarawakian from every ethnic group in the state, and not let anyone be left behind in progress.
“This is our approach – meaning that we have plans for all the races regardless of their backgrounds. Therefore, never play up racial and religious sentiments because we need to focus on the developments towards ( bringing positive) changes to our society,” he said at the distribution of ‘korban’ (sacrificial) meat for Hari Raya Aidiladha at Masjid Darul Hana in Kampung Patingan here yesterday. The event was organised by Takaful Ikhlas Bhd.
On the development for the Malay community here, Abang Johari said the Darul Hana modern village project is underway.
“Phase I and II of this project will commence end of this year and would only require 36 months to reach completion. Once ready, the villagers at Seberang Hilir will receive houses without requirements to pay any debt.”
Additionally, Abang Johari said the works on the 22-level Hikmah Exchange Twin Tower project at the former Bina Mara site here are still ongoing – it is expected to reach completion in 2021.
“There are other things that I want to do there besides the building ( Hikmah Exchange) but I won’t announce them yet because I’m still planning. After all the plans are implemented, the Satok (area) would be transformed into
This is our approach – meaning that we have plans for all the races regardless of their backgrounds. Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister
a new business district. Surely, we would have the financial instruments to generate the development in Satok.”
For the Chinese community, Abang Johari – who is Satok assembly man–said the development plans would include the ‘rejuvenation and redevelopment’ of Padungan.
For the Ibans, the chief minister said he had established a new agency for the Kapit folk – the Upper Rajang Development Authority ( Urda) chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, with the Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi as deputy chairman.
Both would oversee the development of areas across Kapit and up to Hulu Rajang.
“We are also helping the Kelabit and Orang Ulu communities through the establishment of the Highland Development Authority, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.”
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari advised parents to save for their children’s education.
“I believe that Takaful Ikhlas has its own education fund. Nowadays, the university fees are very high. With savings, their ( children’s) future would be guaranteed in terms of education.”
Meanwhile, Takaful Ikhlas chairman Sharkawi Alis expressed his joy and appreciation on behalf of the group for the opportunity to hold the distribution of ‘ korban’ meat to Muslim constituents in Satok.
“This is the third time that we hold this event at Masjid Darul Hana in Kampung Patingan. This year, we are presenting 14 head of cows for distribution to 14 villages in Satok.”
Sharkawi said the event was part of the Takaful Ikhlas’ corporate social responsibility ( CSR) activities, aimed at giving back to the people and fostering closer ties between the group and Sarawakians.
Abang Johari attended the event with his wife Datin Amar Dato Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang. Sharkawi’s wife Datuk Nor Azian Shaari, Takaful Ikhlas president and chief executive officer ( CEO) Datuk Ab Latiff Abu Bakar, and MNRB Group president/CEO Mohd Din Merican were also present.