By LYNCH COWAN
KUCHING: The Sarawak government wants to emulate China in the way it develops its infrastructure and economy.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this at the Chinese New Year dinner organised by the Sarawak Hakka Association here on Saturday night.
“The money the state government is going to collect from petroleum and gas sales tax will be returned to the people in terms of funding for community development, infrastructure and economic development of the state,” he added.
Abang Johari thanked the Chinese community in Sarawak for their contributions to the state’s development, adding the Chinese communities had also contributed to unity in the state.
“The way we live together in Sarawak is why Sarawak is noted for its unity,” he said, adding that Sarawak was always known for its multi-racial harmony.
“Sarawakians of all races could work together, go to school together, sleep together, eat together and enjoy together,” he said, quoting a joke of the late former chief minister, Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
In his speech the chief minister also said that the state government would assist Chinese schools in terms of funding.
Meanwhile, the president of Sarawak Hopoh Association Chong Thian Poh said the 180,000 Hakkas in Sarawak were very united and hardworking.
They came from China through Kalimantan, Indonesia some 200 years ago to work in the Bau gold mines.
“The Hakka community has contributed significantly to the development of Sarawak,” he added.
All present at the function were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and Deputy Consulate General of China in Kuching Zhang Yang.
