MIRI: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg believes that Sarawakians are capable of “charting their own future and determining their own destiny”.
“Sarawakians are a dignified people who do not have to rely on the “sticks” provided by others,” the chief minister told a crowd of about 8,000 that had come for the Head of the State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s 83rd birthday celebration held at Stadium Miri yesterday.
To thunderous applause from the celebrants, Abang Johari said he was confident that with greater unity and effort among Sarawakians to develop the state together, Sarawak would achieve a developed state status by 2030.
“Yes, we must move forward as one and with our own mould to make Sarawak a developed state status by 2030.
“I am confident that Sarawakians have the capability of charting their own future and determining their own destiny.
“So let’s transform Sarawak together. Let’s give it our best shot,” he said to more applause.
The chief minister went on to thank the Head of State, saying because of his long-term vision Sarawak is capable facing whatever challenges.
“Tun (Taib) is a great leader who knew how to unite Sarawakians regardless of their backgrounds. Because of that we have peace and harmony, which has facilitated our work of administering the state.
“Without doubt, Tun has given us a lot since the formation of Malaysia 56 years ago to help make Sarawak what it is today,” he said.
The chief minister said for the current year, he is expecting Sarawak’s economic growth to be between 4.5 per cent and 5 per cent, supported by an improved trade performance in the first seven months of this year.
“The increase in trade volume and a trade balance that’s positive indicate the vibrancy of our economy, which is further strengthened by the increase in public spending to build our infrastructure, public utilities and amenities,” he pointed out.
He said, under the Malaysian Plan (MP12) to begin from 2021 and end in 2025, Sarawak government under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would be focusing on four crucial thrusts.
Without going into details, he said these thrusts will enhance and strengthen the state’s economy as the state journeys towards a developed state status by 2030.
