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Get our eroded rights back first

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Abang Johari launches the family-oriented gathering. Photo: Nadim Bokhari

KUCHING: The Sarawak government will continue to fight to regain its eroded rights and ensure that by the end of the day the state and its people would benefit.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government was still negotiating (with the federal government) on taking what belongs to Sarawakians.

He said this to a crowd of 800 Gedong people during a family-oriented gathering called ‘Majlis Ikatan Kasih Gabungan Pertalian Keluarga 2019 ― Gedong Permulaan Kami’ at Riverside Majestic Hotel on Saturday night.

“First, we want to take our eroded rights back. Secondly, we must ensure that the properties of the state must be managed properly.

“And when we have the funds, we make sure they are used for developing the state especially the rural areas,” he said.

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) president said there is still lack of basic infrastructure and amenities such as supplies of water and electricity and coastal roads that are needed from Simunjan to Gedong, Sebuyau and Miri.

He said it is also important to build drainage and irrigation systems, retaining walls in erosion-prone areas in the process of developing agricultural areas.

Abang Johari launches the family-oriented gathering. Photo: Nadim Bokhari

“We have already set up the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) for which RM1.5 billion was allocated for developing the area including Simunjan and Gedong,” he said.

As such, he said the state government is always committed to developing the interior areas.

“The basic infrastructure requires a lot of funds but rest assured, we have our own ways to look for funds.

“You just pray. God willing, who knows when Nov 4 comes (when the State Legislative Assembly sits), I will announce more funds,” he said.

He pointed out that when all basic infrastructure, facilities and amenities are put in place, they will improve the livelihood of the rural people in line with the state’s vision of making Sarawak the most developed state in Malaysia by 2030.

“As I have been given the duty to the lead the state, I will do my best to carry out my responsibilities and continue the good work of the past leadership,” he said.

He then called upon the people of Gedong and Simunjan to remain united so that the state could carry out its development plans smoothly.

Also present at the gathering were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Assistant Minister Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais; Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris; and organising chairman Datuk Ismail Bujang Pit.

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