MIRI: The acquisition of MASwings by the Sarawak Government is a pivotal catalyst in moulding the state’s economic terrain.
Drawing parallels to successful airline investments in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said both countries are currently reaping their rewards, signifying the strategic importance of this venture.
“When Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) had separated into Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Singapore Airlines (SIA), the decision saw Singapore taking over the international routes and this had led to Singapore to flourish with the connectivity that it has.
“The government of Singapore invested in SIA so much so there was a time of a strike (during the dispute between SIA and Singapore Airlines Pilots’ Association (SIAPA), then Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore former prime minister) came in and said, ‘You want to go strike, you can go, but I will close this airline, I establish a new one’.
“While on Singapore transformation under the Economic Development Board (EDB), they changed Changi and Orchard Road as iconic places where international tourists come over and this also because of SIA,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the grand opening ceremony of Mercure Miri City Centre here today (Dec 16).
Similarly, Abang Johari referenced Dubai and the UAE’s investment in Emirates, which transformed Dubai from a desert into a bustling connectivity hub in the Middle East, inspired by Singapore’s model.
“If you think about it, how are they going to make money in Emirates? But it is part of their infrastructure and investment, so much so that Dubai now becomes a centre in the Middle East as a connectivity point.
“Thirty years ago, Dubai was just a desert. Nothing in Dubai. But then the UAE, they took Singapore as a model and today, Dubai is flourishing,” he said.
He added in the case of Sarawak, it has a strong selling point for tourists due to its pristine environment and nature-based allure.
“So, when we (Sarawak government) took over MASwings, some people were sceptical whether it was possible? I can tell you, this is an investment we put it in.
“It is just like building a bridge, you don’t ask how much the return is. The same applies to our airline.
“To measure the success, it is based on our gross domestic product (GDP) growth because once the people come in, they will spend money and our economy will be flourishing,” he said.
Sarawak is currently in the process of acquiring MASwings and looking to commence its first flight by next year.
Amongst those present were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting; Accor Malaysia-Indonesia senior vice president of operations Michel Vivier; and Evolveland Bhd director Roger Sim.
