MUKAH: Matu will be able to mitigate its isolation from the state’s major economic and administrative centres once its own commercial areas have been properly developed.
“Once its commercial centre has been completed it will generate income for the local people,” said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He was here yesterday to officiate at Saturday’s opening ceremony of Gawai-Raya Daerah Matu 2019 and Majlis Penangguhan Pesta Matu Ke-28.
“The locals will benefit when people from the surrounding areas as well as visitors from outside have places to shop in the town,” said Abang Johari.
Moving on to politics, he said, “We are on our own now. We withdrew from Barisan Nasional (BN) because we believe that only Sarawakians can manage the development of their state.”
He regretted that the minister who is taking care of the country’s finances also cannot do his job well and even claimed that Sarawak could go bankrupt as if Sarawakians were stupid.
“Well, I imposed a five per cent oil and gas sales tax. We’ll not go bankrupt. The additional money will enable us to continue developing our infrastructure and meet the needs of the people,” he said.
Also speaking at the same event, Jemoreng assemblyman Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said the state government was always trying to elevate the well-being of the people.
“In fact, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) always wants the people to have high-level thinking even if they live in rural villages.”
