Chief minister assures his government will deliver
SRI AMAN: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday called on Sarawakians not to doubt him.
I know some people doubt me, saying, ‘Bena ndak kah Abang Jo tok?’ (Is Abang Jo sure of what he is doing?). Don’t worry, ‘saya sik juak paloi’ (I am not that stupid). I know what I am doing. We know what we are doing,” he said when launching Pesta Benak 2019 at Batang Lupar Waterfront in Sri Aman yesterday.
He said if it is about money, “we (the existing Cabinet) will find ways to earn money”.
“If it is about my person, I am the chief minister of all races. I am fair and I will be fair to all Sarawakians,” the chief minister assured.
He went on to reveal that the State Budget 2020, to be tabled on Nov 4, will be way better than the national Budget 2020.
“We will develop Sarawak using our own funds, and I believe with long-term planning we will turn it into a modern state.
“However, I cannot reveal it (details of the state budget) now. Just wait for my speech on Nov 4 when I table it.”
Abang Johari said the funds allocated by the federal government under 2020 Budget tabled on Oct 11 was not enough for Sarawak.
“They gave us RM4.4 billion only, which is not enough for us. The coming state budget will ensure that there is development throughout Sarawak.”
Abang Johari called on the people to unite in support of the development efforts of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government
On the make-up of the state civil service, he said, “I am not directly involved in civil service matters. For me, anyone who works hard will be promoted and I want to emphasise that it (promotion) has nothing to do with race.”
He reiterated that although he is the chief minister, he still needs to refer matters to the Cabinet first before decisions are made.
“This includes the proposal to change the name of Bandar Sri Aman to Bandar Simanggang,” he said.
Also present at the event were DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohammad Asfia Awang Nasar; State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion; Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Assistant Minister Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Lingga assemblywoman Simoi Peri; and Sri Aman Resident Indit Bangai.
