By Alexandra Lorna & Natasha Jee
KUCHING: Sarawak appreciates some freedom in making its own decisions for the sake of the state’s progress so that one day it will be on par with other developed regions in the country, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Given such freedom by the federal government, he is confident that if Sarawak develops, Malaysia will also develop.
“As part of the big Malaysian Family, I am sure that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the nation’s leadership at the big family level would like to see Sarawak’s small family also succeed in whatever development programmes implemented and the economic direction that is focused on uplifting the status of Sarawak with developed economies and high income by 2030.
“Through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 or PCDS 2030, Sarawak has taken steps towards an economy shaped by technological progress, resource sustainability and global efforts to deal with climate change,” he said.
He made these remarks at the closing of the state-level Jelajah Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia 2022 held at Dataran Perayaan, Petra Jaya today.
In a related development, Abang Johari said the country had experienced an uncertain political situation which has had a negative impact on Malaysia.
“However, the Prime Minister’s leadership has shown some positive changes and Sarawak sincerely hopes that this situation will last and that the country will continue to stabilise and move towards a dynamic and advanced economy.
“In Sarawak, with the strong spirit of understanding and unity that has been built over a long time between the multi-ethnic and religious community, Sarawak is the small family in the big Malaysian Family.
“However, just like in a big family, there will definitely be differences of opinion and different ways of doing things between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
“I think this kind of situation is not a big problem if these different views and methods are resolved in good faith in a friendly family atmosphere.
“There are no differences that cannot be resolved if discussed sincerely for mutual benefit and win-win for all parties,” he added.
