We act and decide within parameters of state laws, assures Abang Johari
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has the right to decide anything in respect of state laws and decisions, so why should the federal government be anxious, reasoned Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari.
He said when the state imposed the oil and gas tax, the federal government was not really happy with the decision.
“We have our state laws and agreement such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) regarding our rights,” he said.
He reiterated his assurance that as long as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) governs the state, the government will always care for the needs of Sarawakians and encourage them to get involved in business.
“That’s why when I took over from the late chief minister Adenan Satem, I was so worried about how to maintain and get more money to build infrastructure projects in our state.
“And then I thought of the oil and gas tax which will be an additional revenue for our state,” he said at the opening of the 17th Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) annual general meeting.
Added the chief minister: “In the business industry, there are always problems with its ups and downs, but that’s why you have to be tough and be involved in the state’s business development for us to have greater and meaningful Bumiputera participation.
“Hence, let us all work together, understand our policies then we can be very rational in our decision-making for us to achieve the same goals for the state.”
DCCI president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum in his speech earlier said he was “very happy” when Abang Johari announced during the 20th anniversary dinner of the Malay Contractors’ Association of Malaysia Sarawak Branch (PKMM) that he wanted greater Bumiputera participation in the state government development projects.
“Our budding Dayak business community is particularly keen to actively participate in the state’s development to replace the foreign contractors and to undertake at least the maintenance of the various infrastructures,” he said.
Salang also believed that it is the wish of the state government not to depend solely on the foreign contractors but to have more Bumiputera contractors get involved in the development of the state.
“Dayaks in commerce and industry do not want stereotyping to be perpetuated. Hence, we suggest that the state government nurture, promote and encourage Bumiputeras to get involved in business,” Salang said.
He thanked Abang Johari for approving the proposed new DCCI headquarters building and the financial allocations to the association.
Also present at the event were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Ambas and Tan Sri Dr James Masing.
(1) Abang Johari arrives for the 17th DCCI annual general meeting at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
(2) Abang Johari delivering his keynote addess.
(3) Abang Johari (fifth left) with (from left) Datuk Harry Henry Jinep, Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Uggah, Salang, Masing and representatives of Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu entrepreneurs.
(4) Abang Johari (fifth left) presents a mock cheque for RM10 million to the Dayak Cultural Foundation received by Salang while others look on. Photos: Mohd Alif Noni.
