Don’t gamble future in state election — Abang Johari
Sarawak is so pretty, everything is there. Actually it is an envy of other areas. So people want to take over Sarawak. Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg
KUCHING: Sarawakians must not gamble on their future but make a wise decision in the coming state election, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He believed that Sarawak must have a strong state government that prioritised the people of Sarawak and the state itself, which he likened to a pretty woman that attracted many people who wanted to court and grab her.
“Sarawak is so pretty, everything is there. Actually it is an envy of other areas. So people want to take over Sarawak.
“One area they will try to exploit is to split us. They will split us and then at the end of the day they will take over everything. I am not saying you must protect your leaders’ interest. Leaders come and go. I may be here but when the time comes I will also retire,” he said at the earth-breaking ceremony of the Sports/Community Hall Innovative Hub in Batu Kawa here yesterday.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman said Sarawakians must support leaders who are experienced and trained, thanks to past leaders who had trained them.
He noted that his chief ministership did not come just like that as he had been in politics for 40 years and was trained by the past leaders.
He also said it was important that Sarawakians choose leaders who are trained and fair to all communities in Sarawak.
“So don’t gamble your future because in the next 10 years, God willing, we will be a developed state. Our economy must be upgraded into a modern economy. Protect Sarawak from the influences that can split us, the people of Sarawak. Only Sarawakians can look after Sarawak,” he reminded.
Abang Johari believed that Sarawak is on the right track and on the right standing, saying its economic fundamental is very strong and in a strong financial position, with extra source of revenue.
He said he would continue to fight for Sarawak’s rights and strengthen the state’s financial standing if he continued to get strong support from all Sarawakians.
“If the people of Sarawak are behind the government that prioritises Sarawak, not because we want independence, but we protect our rights, then we will pursue based on our constitutional rights.
“Since Adenan, we have good direction already. Now, all our fundamentals are right,” he said, referring to his predecessor Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
He said over at the federal side, the politicians continued fighting over who should become Prime Minister whereas in Sarawak the government was busy doing projects for the people and leaders in GPS did not fight but pursued all that are good for the people of Sarawak.
“Therefore, we must continue to have a strong state government that prioritises the state of Sarawak and the people of Sarawak,” he reiterated.
Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian was also present.