Dr James Jemut Masing
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said within 100 days, Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has done what others in Malaysia took years to achieve.
He praised Abang Johari for laying down a solid foundation to allow the state to move fast on development to make a better Sarawak.
“Yang Berhormat Abang Johari moved forward very fast in pushing Sarawak forward. Within 100 days, he did what others in Malaysia took years to achieve.”
“He appeared to be a man in a hurry, so he should!” Masing told The Borneo Post in response to Abang Johari 100 days in office as chief minister.
Abang Johari took the helm on Jan 13 following the passing of fifth Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem on Jan 11. It was Abang Johari’s 100 days in office on Saturday.
Masing said the CM wants to hasten the pace of development in Sarawak after decades of neglect.
“Sarawak has been sidelined, neglected and ignored by the federal government for over 50 years until Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took over. As soon as his (Abang Johari) hit the ground, he ran. Within 100 days he created digital economy and Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) and he has acquired the Bakun Hydroelectric Dam. All these achievements will enable him to run and reached for his dreams which was denied of him.
“Therefore, as long as he needs me, I will be around to help him in making a better Sarawak for all,” said Masing who is also Infrastructure Development and Transportation Minister.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, on the other hand, applauded Abang Johari for placing rural transformation high on the agenda.
“This could be seen from rural initiatives which we have implemented. Rural initiatives such as the formation of Sarawak Agriculture Products Export Corporation (Export Corporation) are actually his ideas,” said Uggah who is also Modernisation of Agriculture and Rural Economy Minister.
He said Export Corporation would not only be responsible to export Sarawak agriculture products to overseas markets but it would also ensure sufficient supply of the agriculture products by working closely with smallholders and local plantation owners.
“It will also be promoting the use of latest technology in agriculture through capital participation. In this way, we educate our farmers. We want to teach them to fish rather than giving them the fish, by showing them how to do it by using technology,” said Uggah.
He said it has been Abang Johari’s idea that agriculture should be develop side by side with technology.
“That has been why he wanted to have fast speed Internet highway in the rural areas. Not only that he wanted to bridge the digital divide between urban centres and rural areas, he also wanted to close the poverty gap.”
Uggah said Abang Johari is a visionary leader who knows what he is doing.
“He knows what he wants to achieve and, presently, he is at the state of laying own ground work to make sure that his dreams become reality,” said Uggah.
Uggah also praised Abang Johari for his good relationship with the federal government which has resulted in the purchase of Bakun Dam and the establishment of the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) which are necessary elements for Abang Johari to carry out his visions.
“The Bakun Dam will provide the power to leapfrog into the digital economy and technology development while the bank will finance any projects that will push our development.”
“There will be more to come,” said Uggah.
Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said with a fair and open leader Abang Johari in place, it was no longer an uphill task to get the support of the Chinese voters.
“Abang Johari has proven that he, like Adenan, is a chief minister for all by first of all, continuing with Chinese school funding,” said Dr Sim.
He was referring to Adenan’s promise to give RM3 million in 2014 to the Chinese Independent schools and increased the amount by RM1 million each year until 2016 where he gave RM5 million.
Following the footsteps of Adenan, Abang Johari gave RM6 million.
“Apart from the annual funding for Chinese Independent schools, Abang Johari has also continued with Adenan’s policy of taking in Chinese into the state civil service.”
Dr Sim agreed with the creation of DBOS and the purchase of the Bakun Dam as there were moves to gain financial autonomy.
He also praised Abang Johari for his wise stance in the Syariah Courts Act (Crimainal Jurisdiction Act 1965), commonly known as Act 355.
“Sarawak’s stance on the Act has resulted in the failure of the bill to be tabled as a government bill. Sarawak MPs are now standing tall for being MPs with principles and this is all because of Abang Johari,” said Dr Sim.