‘We’ll be a developed state via digital economy, 65 people-centric initiatives’
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has called upon all Sarawakians, regardless of their races, religions and political affiliations, to work together and continue to preserve the state’s unity and harmony.
Unity is of paramount importance as coupled with the continuous support of the people, Sarawak’s vision of becoming a developed state by 2030 can be achieved, he stressed.
In fact, he gave assurance that Sarawak would become a developed state by 2030 as “all Sarawakians want to enjoy the state’s progress, prosperity, and happiness that we all have dreamed together”.
“Through socio-economic transformation by way of the digital economy, and the implementation of 65 people-centric initiatives, Sarawak’s Vision 2030 will be realised,” he said in his Hari Raya message.
On the welfare and well-being of the people, he said Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders have agreed to take responsibility for them using the state’s own resources to continue implementing development projects as promised.
The federal government cannot always be depended on to allocate development funds to the state, but as chairman of GPS, Abang Johari said he was committed to cooperating and building a partnership with the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government for the benefit of all Sarawakians.
“The state government, of which I am the leader, is always concerned about the problems faced by the people, especially those living in the interior and coastal areas. It is committed to meeting their basic needs for clean water, electricity and roads,” he said.
He said the state Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) is currently upgrading the infrastructure for clean water supply.
He gave assurance that all electricity, road and bridge projects had been approved, and are in the process of being planned and implemented.
“The government is desirous of ensuring that every Sarawakian could enjoy basic amenities, and with God’s blessing this will be achieved,” he said.
Today being Hari Raya Aidilfitri, he then proclaimed that it is a day of victory for Muslims as they have overcome temptation and fulfilled their fasting obligations.
He reiterated that Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a celebration of peace, joy, and harmony, and a time for expressing gratitude and blessing to God.
“Muslims gather in their houses; go to their mosques to perform ‘Solat Sunat Aidil Fitri’ and wish each other well, which marks the beginning of closer ties,” he said.
He then reminded people who are more fortunate not to forget the needy who need assistance so that they too can have a more meaningful celebration.
“When we celebrate joyfully, remember there are others who cannot celebrate the way we do because they are underprivileged,” he said.
He pointed out that human beings cannot run away from tests and challenges, so he prayed that they would continue to be strong just like Muslims while fasting learn the meaning of being patient and grateful.
Abang Johari ended his message by saying, “My wife and I wish everybody ‘Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin’ to all Sarawakians.”
