No matter what stories others tell us, actions will always reveal their true intentions.
― Charles F Glassman, author
SARAWAK made the headlines this week, being the topic of discussions all over Malaysia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim waxed lyrical of Sarawak’s hydrogen exploration and production prowess, singling out the state as an example for the nation.
Speaking during the prime minister’s question and answer session in Parliament on Tuesday, he echoed the state’s sentiments to fully explore the new sector.
While explorations could be challenging, he was optimist with their prospects with experts giving their nods to Sarawak’s move.
Indeed, this was massive praise for Sarawak’s way of doing things, being farsighted and visionary for its best interests.
Similar praise was given not only by the federal government but also those who are outside of it —the political observers.
I have been an avid listener to the podcast hosted by former minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former UMNO information chief Shahril Hamdan.
It was to my surprise that my home state was mentioned as part of their discussions, particularly on the topic of hydrogen economy.
While there was little discussion on the viability of this sector as well as the application of hydrogen as an energy source, particularly for transportation, what they were more interested in was its implementation.
Sarawak, under the tutelage of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration, was able to come up with an end-to-end plan of how it was going approach this new hydrogen industry.
The people on the podcast made note about the cooperation by the Sarawak government with companies outside Malaysia to produce hydrogen.
According to them, this was what the federal government as well as the rest of Malaysia are missing — the ability to plan and see things through.
Seeing things through is exactly the reflection of this current Sarawak administration in doing things. There have been many pledges that were made and kept.
To date, there have been over 100 initiatives by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his administration.
This has largely benefitted the people of Sarawak who have seen their issues being addressed through initiatives that are comprehensive and not on a piecemeal basis.
One example is the aspect of air travel. As a journalist, I have been covering this particular issue ever since I was a cadet reporter for the New Sarawak Tribune.
This was during the height of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration between 2018 and 2020, when the Sarawak government was in the opposition.
The idea was that we need to have a boutique airline company that caters for intra Sarawak travel as well as having access to domestic routes beyond the state.
This would benefit people travelling from Kuching to Miri as well as Kuala Lumpur to Kuching among others.
Just on Thursday, Abang Johari delivered the good news that the Sarawak government had agreed in principle to take over MASwings.
MASwings has been a brand of Malaysia Airlines focusing on domestic routes in the East Malaysian states.
It is therefore a good move for Sarawak to acquire the airline as it will unlock vast opportunities for travel within the state as well as in terms of logistics.
Throughout my career, I remember dissenting views over the state government’s approach. When the idea was first floated, it was described as another “hot air” proposal.
As the popular saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day”. This is how it is known widely known and quoted.
But then again, the full saying is that: “Rome was not built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour”.
Meaning, development is a continuous process; legislation is a continuous process as well as the effort to improve the quality of lives.
While the results may not be seen yet, that does not mean efforts are not ongoing to realise Sarawak’s vision and ambition towards becoming a developed state by 2030.
Abang Johari’s vision for Sarawak is being fully laid out in the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. This plan is also followed up with its implementation.
As Sarawakians, we must give credit where it is due. To say that “nothing is being done” is not only outrageously ignorant but also reflects our level of thinking.
The people of Sarawak, old and young, must stand united for this vision for a better, stronger and more developed Sarawak.
That is the very least you and I can do.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
