Abang Johari (sixth left) leading other state cabinet ministers perform a song upon arrival at the 2018 Sejiwa Senada expo at MCC field yesterday.
MIRI: Sarawak needs continued political stability to achieve its vision of becoming a developed and richest state in Malaysia by 2030.
In order to achieve that status, the state must work together with the federal government under Barisan Nasional (BN), said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“There are a lot of things that we want to do together with the federal government under BN. We have to protect (the relationship) with the federal government, so that Miri will continue to enjoy the benefits from the cooperation between the state and federal government,” he said when officiating at the 2018 Sejiwa Senada Expo at Miri City Council (MCC) field here yesterday.
The Chief Minister stressed that he and his team in the state cabinet would continue to work closely with the federal government to ensure Sarawak continues to be developed under BN.
“We know that our state is rich with plenty of resources, and that we have colourful culture and unity and peace among the multi-racial ethnic groups, that is why I want to accelerate Sarawak’s development,” he told about 10,000 people attending the function.
He pointed out that the northern region of the state in particular would see major development in the coming years upon completion of Marudi bridge and better road connections and high speed internet in the rural areas.
He also said two main sectors, namely agriculture and tourism, would boost the state’s economy especially in the northern part.
“Miri would become a very popular city in the years to come. Baram (is) very green (landscape). The Marudi bridge costing RM84 million and better road connections to Long Terawan in Baram constituency will open up more rural areas.
“With better infrastructure, more tourists will visit Miri up until Mulu (Long Terawan),” he added.
On internet and broadband speed especially in the rural areas, he said the state government had approved RM1 billion to increase the speed.
At the same function, Abang Johari presented appointment certificates to community leaders under Miri Division and Yayasan Sarawak scholarship.
Among those present were Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi; Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian; Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani and former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Alfred Jabu.