SIBU: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on all component parties in the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to continue to work as one team.
He emphasised that cooperation between component parties, namely Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), is crucial in improving the standard of living in Sarawak.
“Now we are moving forward. We participate in the whole ecosystem and have a certain level of control. Why? Because GPS is strong, united and works together.
“We are not greedy. We share our oil and gas because of the needs of both the nation and the state. That is why we cooperate,” he said at the Sarawak United People’s Party Chinese New Year celebration held at a renowned hotel here today (Feb 17).
On the Sibu Urban Renewal Plan, Abang Johari said that the project would take approximately 15 years.
“We want Sibu to be the best. If we hire an average engineer, we will end up with the same problems. We hire the best and pay them accordingly. It is not a small sum of money (for the project). Fortunately, Sarawak has a lot of money. We generate revenue,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, in his speech, emphasised that Sarawak must remain united in countering any political tactics from external parties that threaten the state’s stability.
Dr Sim, who is also the SUPP president, stressed that Sarawak is now in the spotlight both domestically and internationally, which presents challenges for the state.
“People will definitely try to interfere, and we anticipate that they will. Like termites, they will slowly erode and damage us,” he said.
Dr Sim pledged that SUPP would stand firmly behind Abang Johari, giving their full support, particularly in securing Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Regarding Sarawak’s gas aggregator, it is our sovereign right — nothing more, nothing less. What is ours is ours. We are not asking for anything extra.
“The Premier always says, ‘A prosperous Sarawak means a prosperous Malaysia.’ We want Sarawak to prosper along with Malaysia. We do not want Malaysia to prosper while Sarawak is left behind.
“There are a few Sarawakians who support West Malaysia more than they support Sarawak. So next time, you know what to do,” he stressed.
Also present were Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Minister for Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee and chief Political Secretary to the Premier Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
