BY JACINTHA JOLENE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on Sarawakians to preserve the state’s existing harmony by maintaining mutual respect between Muslims and non-Muslims.
As the people are living in a plural society, the Premier said it is important that mutual respect be maintained to ensure peace and unity.
He said such mutual respect can be seen in the civil service, which is made up of both Muslims and non-Muslims.
“There is no difference as they can carry out their duties well in their respective departments.
“The political leaders, be they Muslims or non-Muslims, are also cooperating by helping out one another.
“With mutual respect for one another, we are able to live in peace and prosperity, therefore focusing on our efforts to elevate the status of our state,” he said in his speech at the Sarawak Maal Hijrah celebration held at Dewan Kompleks Agama Islam here, today.
With such culture of mutual respect, he said the state has achieved several successes, which include the doubling of the state’s income from RM6 billion to RM12 billion.
“This is the result of our hard work in seeking ways to increase the state’s revenue, which can then be distributed back to the people.
“We want the urban and rural communities to be integrated. We are also developing roads and basic infrastructure, and providing water and electricity supply,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also highlighted the recent recognition of Sarawak by the World Bank as a high-income state with a gross national income (GNI) exceeding the high-income threshold of USD13,205 (RM61,500), stressing that this was possible because of the state’s multi-racial leadership and good governance.
