KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has reiterated that it is crucial for the people of Sarawak to remain united and to have a strong government.
He pointed out that economic prosperity could only be achieved if the people were united in a peaceful and harmonious state.
“I am grateful that within three years, the state’s revenue has seen an increase such as the collection of RM6.8 billion in sales tax on petroleum products. I hope to increase the state’s revenue next year, but of course I must be around in order to be able to do so.
“Sarawak has the capability and ability, but the state must have a very prudent and good economic policy,” he said when officiating at the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 7.0 symbolic handover ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Thursday (14 Oct).
Abang Johari noted that without unity, it would be impossible for the state to generate revenue worth millions, let alone in the billions.
At the same time, he expressed gratitude to the people for responding to the state government’s requests to get themselves vaccinated.
He said the state government had acted fast and successfully vaccinated more than 90 percent of its population.
“Even though the number of Covid-19 cases fluctuates, this is natural and not dangerous given that most cases are in Category 1 and 2. We must live with the virus, but most importantly we must take care of ourselves,” he said.
He also thanked all the frontliners and Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) for the state’s vaccination success.
“Besides being the first state to roll out the vaccination programme for teenagers aged 12 to 17, Sarawak will be the first to roll out the booster dose vaccination for those 60 years and above as well as the medical frontliners,” he added.
