‘Vast resources, new strategies, unity in GPS give me the confidence’
SIBU: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is banking on the collective responsibility among the GPS component parties to help Sarawak achieved developed state by 2030.
“We in GPS do not quarrel but are focused on the politics of development. We have proper direction in developing the state into one of the most developed by 2030,” said Abang Johari when he addressed a Gawai-Raya celebration here Wednesday night.
He said policy implementation is much facilitated when a government is united in both words and actions.
In this respect, he said he is satisfied that the component parties in GPS have the collective responsibility of bringing about comprehensive development for the state.
“We in PBB, SUPP, PRS and PDP will also safeguard our sovereignty and create a harmonious society,” he added.
On the economic front, the chief minister said the state is adopting new strategies to develop its economy.
“We have vast resources which we must capitalise on. It means we need new strategies…strategies that will help us achieve economic excellence.”
He said Sarawakians should be seeing a lot of projects completed within the year given that 60 per cent of the state’s RM12 billion budget for 2019 is for rural development, meaning for infrastructural facilities, housing and basic amenities.
On housing, he said the state government is subsiding new housing projects so as to have control over prices.
“We want to ensure that the houses are affordable to the low income group,” he said, noting that the first phase of Spektra Permata here would be completed in two years’ time.
For the whole state, a total of 500 units will be built under the same scheme, he added.
“We are able to sell them at a low price as the government is responsible for the cost of land, the building of roads and drainage system,” he explained.
About 2,000 people attended the Gawai do. They included Abang Johari’s wife, Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Education and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee.
