Abang Johari (second right) presents a certificate of participation to one of the officers as Dirwana (right) and others look on.
KUCHING: The differences in government administration between Sarawak and other states in Malaysia is something that outsiders need to understand as the Sarawak government has autonomy to govern the state.
According to Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, both Sarawak and Sabah government had a different way of managing their states, with both having their own cabinet ministers.
“To compare it with other states in West (Peninsular) Malaysia, they only have exco members. These are among the distinctive features of Sarawak and Sabah,” said Abang Johari, who is also Tourism Minister.
Drawing another example, he pointed out that Sarawak had its own housing ordinance which was different from other states.
“Many question the reason why outsiders need to use passport to enter the state. This is something special for Sarawak which most still do not understand,” he said.
He was speaking at the closing of the orientation programme for federal officers at Kampung Samariang Batu community hall on Sunday night.
In view of its borders with neighbouring Indonesia spanning the coastal line, he emphasised it was important to safeguard the safety and sovereignty of the state.
“Located on the Borneo Island, anyone can enter the state and with vast land surrounding the state, anyone can enter the state. This is why the usage of passport is important to identify and record the entry of people to the state,” he elaborated.
On another matter, Abang Johari urged the new federal officers to understand the diverse culture of Sarawak and tell it to their friends and families back home.
“There is a lot to learn here and unity of the people, despite coming from different backgrounds, is a trait that perhaps you can learn,” he said.
He added that they (new federal officers) were lucky to be stationed to Sarawak.
“I believe that your tenure serving the state will open you perspective towards Sarawak and will understand more of national issues from a broader perspective,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Unity and Integration Department state director Dirwana Azool in his speech said 52 new federal officers participated in the six-day orientation programme.
“First they were exposed to the administrative guidelines in Sarawak, before they were handed over to their respective adopted families from Kampung Samariang Batu where they spent three days mingling with their families and the villagers,” he said.