KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg thanked the federal government for implementing development programmes in the state, but also reminded that Sarawak still has a lot of catching up to do with the peninsula.
Additionally, during the Keluarga Malaysia official launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri today, Abang Johari took the opportunity to touch on matters concerning the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He thanked the prime minister for the government’s pledge to amend the federal constitution to include matters pertaining to MA63, adding it is a step forward towards the recognition of the rights and wishes of Sabahans and Sarawakians.
“We in Sarawak have great hopes that by being part of Keluarga Malaysia, our efforts to ensure the spirit, rights and uniqueness of Sabah and Sarawak in the context of MA63 will be respected and understood by those in other states,” Abang Johari said.
The Satok assemblyman also explained that the move to return these eroded rights is not merely for the self-interest of Sarawak, but to strengthen the state’s identity as part of Malaysia.
Meanwhile, on matters concerning Sarawak’s development, while the federal government has implemented projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway, the state’s level of development is lacking when compared with that of the peninsula.
“As chief minister of Sarawak, I am of the view that a different approach is needed to lift the state’s economic status because Sarawak’s economic fundamentals are different compared with the peninsula’s.
“I hope with the Keluarga Malaysia approach, we can see our differences clearly and plan development policies that are suitable for Sarawak or Sabah so that these states will progress following the footsteps of Peninsular Malaysia,” Abang Johari added.
Today, Abang Johari attended the official launch of the Keluarga Malaysia concept by Ismail Sabri at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
This event saw the Bera MP’s first visit to Sarawak as the ninth prime minister of Malaysia.
During the event, Ismail Sabri announced that 50% of the 12th Malaysia Plan allocations will be used to develop Sarawak, Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis to narrow the economic development gap between states in the country.
Additionally, the prime minister also launched the Keluarga Malaysia Foundation, tasked with providing assistance to children who have lost their parents to Covid-19. – The Vibes, October 23, 2021
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