KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the aspiration for Sarawak to be a developed and high-income state is a hope he shares with all Sarawakians.
“This is my hope and our hope for our Sarawak – to become a developed region with high income by 2030 where everyone enjoys economic prosperity derived from sustainable and renewable resources.
“In this beautiful season of Christmas, I sincerely hope that our Christian friends will continue to wish our Sarawak well as a place where her people are united and enjoying a high standard of living,” he said in his Christmas message today.
Abang Johari expressed confidence that Sarawak’s target to double the size of its economy from the current gross domestic product (GDP) of RM140 billion to RM282 billion in 2030 as underlined under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030).
“I have just presented the 2024 State budget in the Dewan Undangan Negeri with a record amount of RM12.36 billion. It goes without saying that we can only set aside such a record-breaking sum to run and develop Sarawak because the state’s economic performance is good as indicated by the expanding GDP”.
Meanwhile the Premier said the Sarawak government has continued to nurture the spirit of social inclusiveness by ensuring people of all faiths have a comfortable place to pray and worship.
“Previously, some places of worship, especially churches and chapels used to be in sorry conditions. That was why as a caring government we set up the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR),” he said.
He added that the same courtesy and inclusiveness has also been extended to Muslims living in areas where they are the minority, with them also given a place of worship.
“This is particularly exemplified by the gracious gesture of the elected representative in Belaga who have been most kind to assist the Muslim community there to build a mosque in this upriver town.
“This is our way and our brand of unity in Sarawak which may not be found in other places,” he said, adding that UNIFOR’s objective was to foster unity and nurture understanding among people where mutual respect is the pillar of strength of the community.
At the same time, Abang Johari called for Sarawakians to strengthen their resolve to maintain harmony and in the state and contribute towards its development with the coming new year.
“Sarawak is our motherland and all of us has a role to play to chart Sarawak’s bright future,” he said.
On the Christmas celebration, Abang Johari said sharing the joy and merriment of Christmas has been customary for Sarawakians, staying true to the spirit of unity in diversity among the people of different religious and racial backgrounds.
“This is a manifestation of their deep respect for the beliefs, customs, and traditions of their fellow Sarawakians.
“I am sure this is the time of the year again that Christians look forward to with full of hope while others are eagerly waiting for the year end festivities.
“Let me extend a very warm Christmas greeting to all our Christian friends. On behalf of my family, I would like to wish all our Christians friends a happy and merry Christmas.”
