MIRI – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has the Sarawak government’s full backing to continue leading the country, said Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg.
“Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) supports Muhyiddin as prime minister for the sake of future political stability.
“In the future, if we have good political stability, this will help with investments and development,” said Abang Johari when addressing civil servants at a hotel in Kuching.
This puts to rest the issue of the Sarawak government’s stance in its support towards the prime minister and federal government.
Abang Johari had on Tuesday said the Sarawak government will make a decision soon pertaining the state’s relations with the Perikatan Nasional-led (PN) federal government.
Without elaborating on the matter, he hinted that it relates to the state’s demands to restore its rights as stipulated under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Abang Johari’s pledge comes ahead of a meeting between Muhyiddin and GPS later this evening.
Abang Johari in his speech also thanked Muhyiddin for the assistance given to Sarawak to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus.
“The prime minister is doing well in tackling the challenges we are facing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We thank the PM and the federal government for the help they have given Sarawak to tackle the pandemic and the support they are giving us in our efforts to boost our socio-economic sectors,” he said.
This is Muhyiddin’s first official visit to the state since PN was established with help from Sarawak’s ruling MPs.
Federal, Sarawak governments ‘very much in line’ with each other
Muhyiddin said he is touched by the support shown by the chief minister.
“I can’t remember the last time I was here, but it was possibly during the old administration.
“I did not imagine I would come here again as prime minister,” he said.
Muhyiddin’s visit today comes on the back of attacks on his PN government from Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
MPs from GPS, the Sarawak coalition formed after the collapse of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 2018 general election, had then backed Muhyiddin for the post of prime minister.
Muhyiddin in his speech pledged the federal government’s support to turn Sarawak into the most developed state in the country, saying it has the resources to achieve its development target.
He said Sarawak’s 10-year development target is in line with Putrajaya’s direction.
“You can see how the federal government and Sarawak work very much in line together.
“The way forward for Sarawak is indeed very promising. I assure you we will give you the fullest support to realise your vision: to make Sarawak the most developed state in Malaysia.
“Sarawak is a very rich state; rich in all sorts of resources,” he added.
The leader is in Sarawak for a two-day working visit.
He arrived at about 10am with his wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman and several ministers. – The Vibes, April 1, 2021
