KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government will strive to ensure that no group or race will be excluded from enjoying the benefits of development.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said as such more than 60 per cent of the 2022 State Budget was allocated to rural development, which manifested the Sarawak government’s inclusivity.
“However, the urban areas will not be left out even though everything is available in the city.
“Still, the cities and towns need to be modernised with facilities, in particular the public transport system and the creation of smart cities,” he said in his Chinese New Year (CNY) message.
He added that needless to say, development needed proper planning, and the will to drive its implementation.
“The Batu Kawah area in Kuching is a case in point which has seen considerable development in the past few years because there has been a genuine desire, and the political will to turn the area into another vibrant part of Kuching City.
“In the same vein, and with the same genuine spirit towards progress, I sincerely hope that we can also turn the Bukit Assek area into a completely new and thriving part of downtown central business district in Sibu,” he said.
The chief minister said that the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) had been entrusted to spearhead the task to redevelop the 500-acre low-lying, water-logged part of Sibu into a modern cityscape designed to attract investment and uplift the economy of Sibu to the next level.
“It is not an easy task and will certainly take more than a decade to realise, but again, with strong political will, I believe it can be done for the benefit of the people of Sibu and Sarawak as a whole,” he said.
He added that he was confident that Sarawak could achieve its dream of becoming a developed state by 2030.
“This is achievable if the people continue to have the determination to unite for the greater struggle of Sarawak,” asserted Abang Johari.
