Abang Johari, accompanied by Abdul Karim (right), is greeted by the media practitioners upon arrival.
KUCHING: The scientific approach adopted by the Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) in the just concluded 11th state election has led to a successful
outcome, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to him, this was a strategy devised under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem through his people-centric policies that saw state BN win 72 out of the 82 seats contested.
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture, pointed out that ever since Adenan took office, the latter had introduced and implemented policies as a solution to solve and tackle problems that were faced by the people, which were well accepted by them.
“In terms of preparation, I have suggested to him (Adenan) a more scientific approach whereby data are collected on the ground to be analysed and rectified,” he said in his speech during the Media Appreciation Dinner for the 11th state election at Hilton Hotel on Monday.
He also said it was a challenge to win the hearts of the Chinese community; therefore among the policies implemented were the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and financial assistance for Chinese schools.
He added that based on research, UEC is recognised overseas by countries such as Singapore and Australia which had led to UEC holders pursuing their education overseas and not come back, causing the state to lose out on quality human capital.
Conversely, the positive outcome from taking such practical approach had caused Chinese voters to swing back to the state BN; thus BN could win back some seats from DAP, he reasoned.
“Through such approach and other implementations of policies, the Chinese were aware that Adenan was sincere in assisting the Chinese community to be on par with other races as the state develops,” he pointed out.
Abang Johari also said the emphasis on rectifying problems and fixing issues related to basic amenities such as water and electricity faced by the people, especially those in rural areas, had also contributed to BN’s success.
“The next five years the state BN will continue to fulfil its manifesto while working closely with the federal government to further develop the state and regain the state’s autonomy,” he said, adding that with the huge mandate
given, the state government will have a greater voice in its discussions with the federal government.
Also present was re-elected assemblyman for Asajaya Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.