MIRI: Local community leaders lauded the launch of “Demi Rakyat Sarawak-Inisiatif Team Abang Jo” on Monday, saying it portrays Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision and mission to further develop Sarawak.
“We definitely welcome the launch as it is about Sarawak’s development,” said Pemanca Wilson Siang Lim when met at the launch at Pullman Hotel Miri Waterfront here on Monday.
Sharing Siang’s sentiment was Penghulu Rundi Bundan of Marudi, who described the booklet launch as a “brilliant move”.
Rundi believed the rural folk will support the initiatives because they are set to benefit from them.
Meanwhile, Penghulu Randi Elom said he never doubted the good intention of the government when it came up with the initiatives.
“It’s a model for building Sarawak into a prosperous state,” he said.
For village chief Lambor Joseph, he would make it his personal task to tell the people of his longhouse why they must continue to support Johari.
He said the chief minister had laid out his policies which were people-centric.
The booklet entitled “Demi Rakyat Sarawak – Inisiatif Team Abang Jo” (for the people of Sarawak -Team Abang Jo’s Initiatives ) was unveiled on Monday to mark his second year anniversary as Sarawak Chief Minister.
It lists 65 initiatives that have been announced by Johari since he was sworn in as Sarawak’s sixth Chief Minister on Jan 13, 2017.
The six main areas of focus covered by these initiatives are the introduction of a new financial model for Sarawak; more active participation in the oil and gas industry; accelerating the implementation of projects; development of Sarawak’s digital economy; emphasis on rural basic infrastructure and restoring Sarawak’s rights through the MA 63 negotiations.
Among the notable initiatives listed in the booklet are those related to developing Sarawak’s digital economy, which were some of the first initiatives announced by the chief minister as he sets his sights on ensuring Sarawak remains globally competitive and realises its aspiration of becoming a developed state by the year 2030.
In fighting to restore the rights of Sarawak through the MA63 negotiations with Putrajaya, the Chief Minister is committed to continuing the efforts started by his predecessor, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
The initiative introduced by Johari also emphasises high impact infrastructure projects throughout Sarawak and especially for those living in the rural areas.
The Chief Minister’s initiatives highlight his seriousness in introducing a new financial model for Sarawak as well as playing a more active role in the oil and gas industry.
