KUCHING: Sarawakians have been urged to look forward to a good economy coupled with political stability in Malaysia.
Sarawak Patriotic Association (SPA) chairman Datuk John Lau said that for the past year, it had been a roller coaster where political leaders were playing games to remain in power.
“With the GE15 and the formation of the unity government, we hope 2023 and beyond will be better for all of us.
“We like a government that looks after the interests of all Malaysians without segregation by race and religion,” he said of his New Year 2023 wishes to the New Sarawak Tribune here yesterday (Dec 22).
“Cost of living is on the rise; both the federal and Sarawak governments need to address this urgently.
“People are suffering and crying out for help where consumer prices have increased by many folds in the past months,” he said.
“We pray that outstanding issues as stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 will be redeemed from the federal government.
There are the Sea Territory Act, and the Petroleum Development Act that took away Sarawak’s oil and gas rights, and our land rights.
He also added that education needs to be strengthened.
“There are more international schools being built and these schools are not short of students.
“This showed that our education system requires immediate solution, particularly with the deteriorating standard of English,” he said.
Lau also proposed that once Sarawak has education autonomy, the state can use English as one of the media of instruction while not compromising the standard of Bahasa Malaysia in schools.
“Standard of education should always be maintained, any compromise will be averse to the society onwards development like the cultivation of corruption, crime, fraud and illegal activities.
“We hope that our society will be more peaceful, safe, and secure by advocating community policing activities in our neighbourhood.
“In 2023 and beyond, we look forward to local council elections so that councillors, mayors, and city council chairmen are elected by the people.
“As Sarawak is approaching an ageing population, we hope the authority can assist those above 70 years old to gain free tertiary education,” he said adding that this will enable the elderly to remain active mentally and contribute more to the community development.
