BY GABRIEL LIHAN & GOH PEI PEI
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is confident that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s past experience in the federal government is able to steer Malaysia through challenging times.
He said Anwar’s vast experience as well as his political background and knowledge, the latter definitely has the ability to bring the country forward to greater heights, including in the global arena.
“I believed in the leadership of the prime minister, which has a clear direction to spur the country forward.
“Not only for Sarawak, but together with Sabah, we can establish a team spirit for the sake of our country,” he said.
Abang Johari said he was confident that Malaysia would be respected by many other countries one day; with Sarawak playing an important role as well.
He was speaking at the State Banquet to welcome Anwar’s first official visit to Sarawak as Prime Minister at the Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
Among those who present were his deputies Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Seri Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
Abang Johari also said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has fully supported Anwar to lead the nation following the advice of the the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah that Malaysia should establish a unity government last November.
“We have witnessed the country’s instability after the 15th General Election and we had to find a way to unite Malaysians. That’s why we agreed to form the federal unity government,” he said.
“Rest assured, the prime minister, we are behind your government. I know that you have the experience and knowledge. Besides, you helped us when you were the federal minister and deputy prime minister,” he said.
The Premier hoped the federal government will continue to develop the country together with Sarawak, especially to increase the incomes of the people, both living in the urban and rural areas.
“We are in the same boat, and if we row together, we can move and reach our destination faster,” he said.
“A prosperous Sarawak will also contribute in moving the country forward by bringing in more investors,” he added.
Abang Johari also reiterated that only Sarawakians know how to manage Sarawak and unite its people, thus the GPS would continue to do so while giving its full support to the federal government.
