S’wak govt supportive of Pacific Partnership missions — Dr Rundi

KUCHING: The Sarawak government will continue to provide support to future Pacific Partnership missions in the state as it reflects the strong cooperation among the US Navy and the Malaysian Armed Forces.

The Pacific Partnership, he said, augurs well for the state and nation’s preparedness to face a disaster as the mission - led by the US Navy – will enhance readiness and the exchanging of knowledge in responding quickly and effectively to natural hazards.

“I am also glad that among the mission is the rebuilding of a classroom at SK Sambir (in Asajaya),” said Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom at a press conference after the closing ceremony ofthePacific Partnership 2019 onboard the USNS Fall River at the Kuching Port Authority ( KPA) Pending port yesterday.

Representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the closing ceremony, Dr Rundi also said he was touched by the Americans who expressed their gratitude to Sarawakians for being hospitable during their 12 days in the state.

On future Pacific Partnership missions in the state, Dr Rundi said it would be a good option for the U. S Navy to choose the interior parts of Sarawak to hold their programmes such as the rebuilding of school classrooms.

“We have about 400 schools in Sarawak and almost 70 per cent are dilapidated,” he said, which received a positive response from U. S Ambassador to Malaysia H. E Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir who was present at the press conference.

According to Dr Rundi, besides rebuilding classrooms, the US Navy could also find ideas on how to bring technologies to the rural folk, such as solar panels for electricity.

Kamala, who also spoke, said each mission is built on the success of the previous year.

“If possible, we would want this mission to be longer and integrate more partners such as non- governmental organisations and departments to be involved as disaster responders,” said Kamala.

Meanwhile, during the closing ceremony, Joint Force commander Lieutenant General Datuk Suhaimi Zuki said the mission strengthened the relationship between the US and Malaysia.

“The most significant impact is the engineering project at SK Sambir, where a new classroom was built. It will be remembered by the local communities,” said Suhaimi, who hopes to see similar initiatives in the future.

He extended his appreciation to all the government agencies that had contributed to the mission and for ensuring that the guests had a pleasant stay in Kuching.

Also speaking was the Pacific Partnership 2019 mission commander Capt Randy Van Rossum, who labelled the mission this year as a tremendous success.

“This is a mission of cooperation to shape capabilities, trust and understanding to be more effective when disaster hits,” said Rossum in his brief address.

He acknowledged that the US Navy had definitely learnt a thing or two from the Malaysian Armed Forces and hoped that the mission would further sustain their enduring partnership.

Also present at the closing ceremony was First Infantry Division commander Major General Datuk Din Abu.