These pests will destroy the foundation of the house and the house will fall: Chief Minister
MARUDI: It is very dangerous to keep anai-anai (termites) within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) because they can destroy the organisation.
In saying “termites”, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was obviously referring to members of a certain political organisation.
“Like termites, they hollow out the structure of an organisation and thereby cause damage. We reject termites within GPS,” he told about 4,000 people clad in GPS t-shirts in Marudi when launching Marudi Waterfront today.
The chief minister called the component members of GPS to unite and uphold the spirit of harmony and peace, saying he will always give priority to them.
Abang Johari also reminded GPS members and leaders of the component parties to be loyal to the state (Sarawak) and not to any past leaders or even him.
“You cannot say you support only Abang Jo as chief minister but at the same time you try to create problems in GPS. We cannot tolerate that.
“I am not important, I am just continuing the struggles of past leaders to fight for Sarawak’s rights,” he said.
Leaders in GPS must put the people as their top priority and fight for their state rights and their own rights as citizens of the state, he said.
Being involved in politics for more than 40 years, Abang Johari said he never “lompat” (jump) whenever there were differences of opinions among members.
“If I disagree with people who don’t agree with me, I don’t jump. I will remain in the party and continue my struggle with the rest in the party,” he elaborated.
When he was approached later by reporters to clarify if he was referring to Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), the chief minister replied, “I’ll let you interpret.”
His deputy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Marudi assemblyman Datuk Penguang Manggil, Baram MP Anyie Ngau, Bekenu assemblywoman Rosey Yunus and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau were among the dignitaries present at the launching ceremony.
The 300-metre-long Marudi Waterfront is estimated to cost RM23 million and is expected to be completed in 2020. The project is fully funded by the state government, said Abang Johari.
“We will always fulfill our promise whenever we announced projects to the rakyat; this project was approved by the previous federal government but was slashed due to financial constraints when the new federal government won the GE14. Because we are aware that this project means a lot to the rakyat, the state government has taken it up,” he said.
“We are not buruk siku (take back what you have given or break your promise, for short) type of people. When we say we are going to implement something, we will do it, no problem,” he said.
He called on the people to stay united and give their undivided support to GPS which is a Sarawak-based party and is the best platform to fight for the state’s rights.
“Sarawak people are closed-knit, so please maintain that,” he said.
He also revealed that the state government will be conducting an in-depth study pertaining to a suggestion to elevate Marudi to a division.
Later, Abang Johari presented GPS’ flags to Zone 14 Baram motorcycle convoy members.
“Marudi is no longer an isolated town, we have connected the town with roads and bridges which I believe these will have positive impact on the economy of the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penguang in his earlier speech said that despite their keen efforts to develop the town, there are groups who try to instigate the people and object to the implementation of certain projects in the name of championing the people.
