KUCHING: A local human rights civil society, The Sarawak Initiatives (TSI), has commended Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for asserting that the development in Sarawak must be the responsibility of all communities and that no one single community can rule the state alone.
TSI chairman Datuk John Tenewi Nuek said the society was very happy and encouraged by the chief minister’s view that coincided exactly with one of TSI’s five main objectives — that is to promote a peaceful and harmonious living environment where there must be equality among the various ethnic groups in all aspects — politics, economics, religion and cultures.
“TSI fully supports the chief minister’s point that collective responsibility and inclusivity must form part of Sarawak’s approach in the pursuit of development. TSI believes there is no other way to develop Sarawak to become competitive in a globalised world by 2030 unless every community comes together to play their role.
“On the other hand, we will inevitably become a failed state if we pursue the path of exclusivity, dominance and marginalisation. Following such a path will bring about political and economic instability,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Tenewi added that TSI was particularly pleased that the Sarawak government had agreed to give a grant of RM20 million for the construction of a nine-storey Panggau Dayak Towers for the DCF and the DCCI.
“The project is also in line with TSI’s two main objectives — to create a Sarawak identity based on its rich and unique diversities and to promote a healthy economy.
“TSI hopes that the Towers, when completed, will highlight a Dayak character in order to further enrich and diversify our architectural heritage,” he added.
