MIRI: Sarawak’s revenue has been increasing under the governance of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
This is in contrast to the claim by Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general Lim Guan Eng that Sarawak will go bankrupt within three years.
“During the rule by Pakatan Harapan (PH), Lim Guan Eng said we would go bankrupt in three years’ time; however, that is not the case and our revenue has increased instead,” he said during a dinner gathering with the leaders organised by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Miri last Sunday (Dec 27) evening.
He said under GPS and despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarawak still ranked first as the preferred investment destination in Malaysia.
“In the third quarter of this year, Sarawak has received investment from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and this is because investors see our stability in terms of politics,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who is also the PBB deputy president said with investors coming to the state, this means more revenue and it will bring benefits to the state.
“Therefore, we must continue to remain united and ensure that GPS remains as the ruling government because this will determine our future and directions.
He also lamented on empty promises by PH pertaining to giving Sarawak 20 percent oil royalties and 50 percent of tax collected.
“We have to realise in PH’s 22 months of tenure, all big projects and assistance to help the welfare of the people were being reduced. All they know is to chop and chop including no allocation for native customary rights (NCR) survey,” he said.
He added that he also could not imagine how the country would end up during the Covid-19 pandemic if it were led by PH, and the situation may not be handled in an orderly manner.
“Unlike the Perikatan Nasional (PN) and GPS government, they have rolled out all sorts of assistance to help those in need, especially those affected by the pandemic,” said the deputy chief minister.
He added under PN, assistance was provided such as Penjana and Prihatin while the state government had also given special assistance under Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) packages involving funds totalling RM2.6 billion.
“Therefore, our best choice is none other than fully supporting GPS as the government led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for the betterment of Sarawakians,” he said.
Meanwhile, more than 70 members from PBB Miri comprising PBB Pujut, Piasau and Senadin branches including veteran members attended the dinner.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Rosey Yunus, Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni, PBB Piasau branch chairman Councillor Sardon Zainal, PBB Senadin branch chairman Councillor Julaihi Mohamad, PBB Pujut Women chief Councillor Warzieda Ahmad and the event’s organising chairman cum political secretary to the chief minister Sarkawi Suhaili.
