SERIAN: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is a unifying leader for all ethnicities in Sarawak, said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Deputy Premier said the policies implemented under Abang Johari’s leadership are inclusive, especially regarding the recruitment of civil servants.
He lamented that the Dayak community has raised concerns about the civil service, alleging that it is difficult to secure government jobs if they are from minority ethnic groups.
However, he explained that the inclusivity of the Sarawak Government is evident through the recent appointments of key positions held by the Dayak community.
“Our Serian Resident, Caroline Cleophas Joseph, is Dayak. She recently returned from Harvard and was sent to train for higher positions.
“Recently, we obtained the President of the Dewan Negara Datuk Mutang Tagal, who is also a Dayak from the Lun Bawang community.
“The new State Health Department Director, Dr Veronica Lugah, is also Dayak, as is the Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata, who is from Kota Samarahan. There are many others.
“Where we are qualified, we must be given opportunities. This is the policy that the Premier is implementing to help us all,” said Uggah.
He said this during the ‘Serumpu Makai Lemai’ Ceremony organised by the Association of Iban Community Leaders and Longhouse Chiefs of Serian Division at the Serian Community Hall last night (Feb 24).
Uggah said that under Abang Johari’s leadership, the development programmes implemented by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government are comprehensive.
He asserted that this is evident as the people of Sarawak receive various benefits, which Uggah likened to ‘from cradle to grave’.
“Every newborn is given RM1000. For childbirth, the mother receives assistance of RM450. In addition, if someone with a Kenyalang Gold Card dies, their relatives receive RM3000. That’s why I say it’s from cradle to grave assistance.
“Not to mention agricultural support, welfare, and so on. So, we are quite fortunate. Our Premier is a leader for all the people,” he said.
