KUCHING: Twenty-three senators who are executive committee (exco) members of the Malaysian Senator Council from Dewan Negara are in Kuching until 6 April (today) for their official visit.
Earlier, the senators visited Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) on Tuesday morning and later attended a dinner at Pullman Hotel here.
Speaking during the dinner was Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg who said the visit was to foster relationships with all senators from the Dewan Negara, while strengthening bilateral ties between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.
“We are proud to have the executive committee members of the Malaysian Senators’ Council visiting us.
“I would like to take the opportunity today (Tuesday night) to explain the confusion in some quarters, because I think with the understanding, then we can work well; for what is important is Malaysia to be strong, respected by other countries and becoming one of the forefront nations in this region.
“I also like to shed some light on what is said by some people about Sarawak; those loud voices that wanted her power to be restored, which some consider this to have adverse effect on the country.
“Actually, what we are asking for is the devolution of power, the power that was originally belonging to the state but has been eroded (direct or indirectly) on any matter,” he voiced out.
Johari also urged the members to work together as it was their role and they should work together to develop the country.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Senators’ Council President, Senator Dato’ Sri Khairudin Abdul Samad said such a visit could help senators from Sarawak with issues encountered and raised in the Dewan Negara and help find the solutions.
“We want our senators to be close to people in the whole state through this programme and to know their problems, while strengthening bilateral ties between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia,” Khairudin stressed, adding they will next visit Kedah, Pahang, Sabah and other states.
