BINTULU: Bintulu is capable of becoming the capital economic hub of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole for its ability to convince foreign investors to invest in the country, said Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
The Kemena incumbent said Bintulu plays an important role in attracting investors due to its flourishing industrial sector spanning from Tanjung Kidurong to Samalaju which requires a great deal of manpower to operate.
“Through this, we are able to attract foreign investors because it shows our stability. This is also due to the political stability of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said when speaking at the Leader-with-the-people dinner here on Tuesday evening.
Dr Rundi said Sarawakians are also in favour of having a systematic political system governing the state.
“The people of Sarawak want prosperity and order. We want certainty and we reject uncertainties. We must tolerate and negotiate. If we disagree, we must also agree to disagree.
“If a political party has personal agendas, surely the party will not last long. We must prioritise the wellbeing of the people first,” he added.
On a similar vein, he said the current state of utilities has come a long way since he first took office where he recalled having to deal with utility asset and maintenance issues, especially in the coastal areas of Sarawak.
“Abang Johari told me not to worry as the state has the money (to solve these issues). He allocated a total of RM4 billion to solve the water issues and another RM2.37 billion for electricity issues.
“So, I told my officers that we have to accept this challenge. Although, I must be frank, back then, I couldn’t get a night’s sleep for three nights (thinking about) the grids, masterplans and water stress areas which were all difficult issues to handle.
“We must understand that these issues are very sensitive to the people. But thanks to the patience and sincerity given to improve this situation, we have managed to solve most of the issues related to utilities in the state.
“Thank you Abang Johari for giving (my ministry) such a big allocation to achieve this,” he said.
