Abg Jo: GPS counts on Ismail Sabri for stable govt after GE15
SELANGAU: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has voiced the coalition’s support for Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to continue heading the government a er the general election.
The Sarawak Premier said at the opening of the Selangau section of the Pan Borneo Highway project here yesterday that GPS’ priority in the polls was for stability in the country under a strong federal government to spur further economic growth.
“Sarawak is currently exploring a new economy with its wealth of resources. We must have cooperation from the federal government. But we must also deliver as many seats as possible to help Putrajaya because the GPS government wants a stable federal government.
“And we hope the caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob can lead a stable government a er this election,” he said at the event which was officiated at by Ismail Sabri.
Abang Johari said the country’s gross domestic product growth at 14.2 per cent is a good sign for the federal government that it should have the people’s support irrespective of their race and religion.
“I can assure you (Ismail Sabri) that this is the objective and target of GPS. We will work for the stability of Malaysia,” he said.
He also reminded Selangau voters not to repeat their mistake in the 2018 general election.
“A er he (Baru Bian) became your MP, he ran away. Give your support to our candidate Edwin Banta,” he said.
Baru, who is contesting under the Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) ticket, has shi ed to Lawas this election a er winning with a slim majority of 486 votes in a straight fight in the last general election.
Meanwhile, caretaker Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the first phase of the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway spanning over 786km across Borneo was nearly completed.
He said the project started in October 2015 consisting of 11 work packages (WP) and six alignments have been completed and opened to road users.
“The latest progress in the construction of Sarawak’s Pan Borneo Highway project for the remaining 10 WPs from Sematan to Miri which are currently being implemented is 89 per cent and they are expected to be completed next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, the construction of the 27km-long Selangau section from the Sungai Kua Bridge to Sungai Arip Bridge commenced on Nov 1, 2016 at a cost of RM588 million.
The project will improve road connectivity and safety from Sibu to Bintulu.
In addition, it will be a catalyst for the development of surrounding areas such as Sibu, Selangau, Mukah and Balingian.
Also present at the function were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and caretaker Communication and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.