BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & JACINTHA JOLENE
TANJUNG MANIS: Sarawak has invited Sabah to collaborate in the state’s upcoming airline, AirBorneo, which is slated to begin operations next year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government had already committed capital to establish the airline and welcomed Sabah to come on board as a partner.
“On Saturday, the Sabah minister asked me when Sarawak’s airline will start flying. I told him, God-willing, it will be next year, and its name will be AirBorneo,” he said.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak welcomed the idea of sharing the venture with Sabah, in line with the airline’s name.
“I also informed Sabah Governor, Tun Musa Aman, the same. If we share, what is wrong with that? We can share with Sabah because it is called AirBorneo.
“They have said they will study the matter as they too need to raise capital, since we are putting in our own,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the 18th Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari, held at Tanjung Manis Express Terminal today.
He also said that the airline is expected to boost tourism, attract visitors and researchers, and provide a major lift to the regional economy.
“If we succeed, we will be able to bring in our tourists, our visitors, including researchers studying our climate. This will have a huge impact in boosting economic activities,” he said.
He said that Sarawak’s peace, prosperity and political stability were key to sustaining growth.
“Hopefully, because our state is peaceful and prosperous, we can work together regardless of our backgrounds, for our future.
“And if we have a stable situation, including in politics, if we do not quarrel, we can carry out our work – but our intentions must be right.
“Our intention must be to help people, and when people’s trust increases, then we can progress and develop,” said Abang Johari.
