MIRI: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is optimistic that Sarawak could emerge as a developed state in Malaysia by 2030 because of the great potential in the state’s youths.
Speaking at the state-level Youth Day celebration at Miri Indoor Stadium yesterday, he said the Sarawak government allowed the youths to realise their full potential to help the state achieve its vision of becoming a developed state.
Citing several Sarawakians who had made it big in the entertainment industry and made Sarawak proud such as singers Dayang Nurfaizah, Hafiz Suip and Bob and actor Henry Ewan Golding, Abang Johari said other youths should emulate them.
He added the success of these famous Sarawakians reflected the state’s ability to produce great talents.
He urged youths in Sarawak to do well in their respective fields such as sports, studies, economic development or technology in order to transform Sarawak into a developed state.
“I understand we have the potential,” he said.
Nearly 2,000 youths attended the state-level Youth Day celebration here.
At the event, Abang Johari presented Youth Awards to two Sarawakians, namely Garry Ningkan and Dayang Nur’ Maisarrah Abang Abd Razak of Kuching.
Meanwhile, for the association category, the champion was Persatuan Kebajikan Pelajar Islam Sarawak while the Saberkas Unit of Kpg Demak Baru came second.
At the event, Abang Johari also launched a book on Sarawak Youth Index study.
The study was conducted by the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES). Completed in January this year, it surveyed over 13,000 respondents aged 15 to 30 in all 40 districts in Sarawak.
Present at the Youth Day celebration were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Women, Family and Childhood Development Assistant Minister Rosey Yunus, Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting , Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
Also present were Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Dev Kumar M. M Sree and former Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan Hong Nam and Youth and Sports Ministry permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi.
