KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has thus far done very well in maintaining peace in the state and bringing the much needed development to the state, said political analyst Datuk Peter Minos.
While wishing Abang Johari happy fourth anniversary as the sixth chief minister of Sarawak, he said Abang Johari had also done well in handling the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
“Like many fellow Sarawakians, I am really impressed and happy with Abang Johari as Sarawak’s chief minister,” he said.
He pointed out that Abang Johari had been able to maintain racial and religious harmony in the state and had helped other religions besides Islam by setting up the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
“Giving powers to Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Jemut Masing, Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion indicates that Abang Johari believes in racial sharing of political power. The Dayaks and Chinese do take note and, I am sure, happily too,” he said.
On economic development, Minos said Abang Johari knew what needed to be done and he was now focusing on building basic infrastructures such as roads and bridges and providing water and electricity all over the state.
“He has also set up big industries in Bintulu and Lawas for job and business creation, thus improving the economy of the state.
“Abang Johari also managed to get money from Petronas through the state sales tax (SST) and this money will later go into economic and social development,” he said.
On politics, Minos said Abang Johari, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman, had looked after the coalition party well.
“Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) have been at peace and this is important in administering the state with its multi-racial society and political persuasions.
“He also continues to remain friendly but not formally bonded to Perikatan Nasional (PN) and this allows Abang Johari to retain Sarawak’s voice and freedom of action and decision. This was missing before during Barisan Nasional (BN) era,” he said.
Overall, Minos said Abang Johari had done a good job. He believed the chief minister would continue to fight for the full restoration and return of Sarawak’s rights and powers under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“As for the future, Abang Johari is buttressing the basic foundation in all areas of the state. With these done, the future of Sarawak is assured and well placed.
“The chief minister is one big blessing and huge asset to Sarawak. Therefore, Sarawakians should be happy and pleased that the state is in his steady and stable hands,” he said.
Minos then wished Abang Johari good health and hope Sarawakians would fully back the chief minister and GPS during the coming state election.
