KUCHING: The successful urban development that is being enjoyed by the people now is due to the good policies laid by the Sarawak government.
In pointing this out, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the people must remember that only with the right policies and the huge investments could urban areas be developed to what they were today.
“There is a perception among those living in the urban areas that no matter what, the government must come in to develop them and there is no need for them to vote for the government of the day. Just vote for the opposition.
“I am telling you one thing. In any development, there must be good policies. Only then can the urban areas be developed,” he said during the 24th anniversary celebration of Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and the launch of The Last Ring Ladies Mural at Kota Padawan Mall on Monday (Dec 14).
He also stressed that people could not just assume that urban areas would develop by themselves.
“Why are Batu 3, Batu 7 and Batu 10 and other urban areas developed? This is all because of the good policies of the state. You cannot avoid that,” he said.
He added that Padawan was developed because of the state’s polices and the financial assistance provided.
“The revenue collected by MPP is RM30 million, but the people’s project is already RM82 million. Where to find the money? Luckily, you have Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to give you the money.
“So, those in the urban areas, do not forget. It is because of the policies. If the policies are not consistent and not right, I don’t think you can get the development that you need.”
Abang Johari said the state government would continue to bring development to the urban areas with the cooperation of all sectors as well.
“For instance, if you want to go for a smart city policy, the government must have that smart policy because it involves investments,” he pointed out.
The chief minister assured that no races would be left behind in development.
“We are inclusive. Everybody must be in the framework of development. The Chinese, Bidayuhs, Orang Ulus and Malays are all included,” he said.
He pointed out that Sarawak was huge, its population was only 2.8 million.
“Whoever is the chief minister must be fair to all races,” he said, adding that for Sarawak to achieve a digital economy and smart cities, all races must work together.
