MIRI: As long as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is governing, Sarawak will be a developed region of Malaysia by 2030.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is optimistic that this would happen, and he said so yesterday to nearly 3,000 people when he declared open Long Lama bridge in Baram.
“GPS is sincere in serving the people. We will deliver what we have promised, unlike those from the other side,” he said.
On politicians from Malaya, he said they often have conflicts among themselves … no unity and harmony … often coming here perhaps to get support or sympathy.
“I, therefore, urge our people to reject Malayan politics,” he said.
As for GPS, he assured that it is a proper ‘navigator’ and would never lose its direction, and because of that Sarawak will stay on course on its journey towards a bright future.
“We are heading in the right direction. Our people of various races and religions live together in peace and harmony. We don’t quarrel like what is happening on the other side,” he said.
He promised that GPS was not making empty promises, but will definitely deliver well-structured development throughout the state.
“A good example of that is the completion of the Long Lama Bridge,” he said.
The double-lane 573-metre bridge which cost RM67 million was fully funded by the state government.
Completed in early April this year, it was approved in 2016 when Pehin Sri Adenan Satem (fondly called Tok Nan) was the fifth Chief Minister of Sarawak.
Hence, Abang Johari officially named the structure Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Bridge.
Before the bridge was built, people from Apoh Tutoh and surrounding areas used a ferry to cross the Baram River at Long Lama. The ferry service started in 2002. Before that, the people used boats to cross.
Abang Johari reiterated that under his leadership the state government will continue the late Tok Nan’s policies which, among other things, is to develop the rural areas so that no Sarawakian remains backward.
“Tok Nan’s contributions to the rural people, especially those in Baram, cannot be quantified. He will always be remembered,” he said.
Abang Johari was accompanied by his deputies Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Tourism, Arts, Culture ,Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Coastal Road Assistant Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Local Government Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring Assistant Minister Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Baram MP Anyi Ngau, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi and Miri Resident Mastapa Julaihi.
