MIRI – A non-governmental organisation for the indigenous communities of Sarawak, while welcoming the appointment of the new prime minister, is praying there will be fresh winds of hope and real progress for the more than one million natives in the state, who are mostly in the lower- and medium-income categories.
The Society for Rights of Indigenous Peoples of Sarawak (SCRIPS) today welcomed the news of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim taking the top post in Putrajaya.
Its secretary-general Michael Jok told The Vibes that the indigenous communities are confident he will hold true to his promises to uplift the lives of ordinary Sarawakians.
“There is fresh hope that we ordinary Sarawakians will see a country and a state where there is less polarisation in terms of standard of living, where those living in lower segments of society are given real support and opportunities to be uplifted from their living conditions.
“We ordinary Sarawakians want to see a balance in terms of wealth distribution, where the gap between the rich and poor is closed,” he said.
“We hope there will be less racial and religious fanaticism in the country.”
Jok also expressed hope that the high cost of living now being endured by Sarawakians will be effectively tackled and curtailed.
“This should be a time of hope and renewal for the country and Sarawak,” he said.
SCRIPS is one of the biggest native organisations in Sarawak.
It is focused on fighting for the land rights of the one million-plus native Sarawak people as well as their social and economic rights. – The Vibes, November 24, 2022
