Uggah (front row, third left) and Wee (front row, right) hang the Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions logo onto a large umbrella to symbolically officiate at the federation’s Chinese New Year and 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner. Also looking on are (from front row left) Cheng and Tan. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is a leader who walks the talk as proven through the accomplishment of several of his initiatives, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He noted that among Abang Johari’s achievements this year were the enforcement of five per cent sales tax on petroleum products, RM1,000 incentive for every Sarawakian newborn and RM300 flight subsidy for Sarawakian students returning to the state during the festive season.
“In the last two years in office, the chief minister has projected himself as truly one of us. He has the vision and courage to chart Sarawak’s direction to what it is today and in an unprecedented way,” he said when representing Abang Johari at the Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions’ Chinese New Year cum 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner held at a leading hotel here on Sunday.
Uggah pointed out that since taking his oath of office as the sixth chief minister, Abang Johari has been steadfast in defending the rights of Sarawak.
“Restoring the rights of Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is his main struggle as well as the struggle of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“He even laid out four non-negotiable state rights (during the Dec 17 meeting with the Special Cabinet Committee on MA63), namely immigration autonomous power; the right to enforce state ordinances in accordance with the Federal Constitution; protection of state’s borders; and sovereignty on the sea, underground and resources within the state.”
This, he said, proved that Abang Johari goes all out to ensure that whatever commitment he makes, he delivers.
“Today (Sunday), we also have good news that the 47 detainees in Cambodia of which 40 are from Sarawak have reached Kuching via a plane chartered by the state government.
“That is a reflection of the chief minister’s concern for the rakyat. He doesn’t go to the media to broadcast on what he wants to do. He did it (on his own accord) and the people will see the outcome of his endeavours,” remarked Uggah, who then took a swipe at certain quarters who often seek political mileage through the media but are all talk with no action.
He also gave his assurance to Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions president Dato Richard Wee that support extended by the federation as well as concerns of the Chinese community will be relayed to Abang Johari.
Wee had earlier in his speech shared feedback on the concerns of the Chinese community regarding the small representation of Chinese in the Sarawak civil service, and offered for both the federation and Sarawak government to work hand in hand towards reaching a more balanced ethnic composition in the civil service.
“I can assure you that I will convey your message to the chief minister tomorrow (Monday),” Uggah said.
During the dinner, Uggah presented the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wee Boon Ping Service Award for Chinese Community Service to Kapitan Hu Hee Juen which was witnessed by Wee, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, China Consul General in Kuching Cheng Guangzhong, event organising chairperson Tan Cho Yian, Chinese community leaders and other guests.
A Special Recognition Award was also awarded posthumously to the late Chai Tze Khin, the past executive advisor cum permanent honorary president of the federation.