Abang Johari pledges to safeguard Sarawak’s rights

KUCHING: Sarawak Barisan Nasional has pledged to safeguard the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement and to preserve unity and harmony in the state.

This was one of six thrusts in the state Barisan manifesto unveiled by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“We have heard the Prime Minister say that he has agreed to return our rights.

“We are now aggressively pursuing our rights that have been eroded over the years, including more devolution of power and decentralisation of authority in health and education matters,” Abang Johari said when launching the manifesto at PBB headquarters here yesterday.

He said the manifesto, themed “Transforming Sarawak Through Digital Economy”, would complement the national manifesto launched by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last Saturday and ensure that Sarawakians’ aspirations would be fulfilled.

The other thrusts in the manifesto are providing better educational opportunities and facilities, enhancing rural transformation, improving the people’s quality of life, initiating new opportunities for progress and prosperity, and practising good governance and integrity.

Abang Johari also said the state Barisan would continue to preserve Sarawak’s cultures, heritage and beliefs.

“To us, Sarawak has always been 1Malaysia because of our racial and religious harmony and unity in diversity.

“Our freedom to practise our own beliefs must be preserved. We allow anyone to use Allah but with respect,” he said.

In addition, he promised to continue advancing the use of English as the state’s second official language, to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate and support Chinese, mission and Islamic religious schools through annual grants.