MUKAH: Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Ukin singled out political stability in Sarawak as the major factor for Sarawak to become more developed than his home state of Sabah over the last few decades.
As such, Lajim reminded Sarawakians to treasure and safeguard this political stability. Lajim said this in his speech at the launch of Local Agenda 21 (LA21) of Mukah Dalat District Council (MMDM) here on Friday.
“Political stability in Sarawak has spearheaded Sarawak to enjoy more development and progress than Sabah over the last 20 years or so.
“In fact, development in Sabah started to slow down when we (in Sabah) adopted a system to rotate the chief ministership among heads of our political parties in Sabah several years back. That destabilised our political unity and interrupted economy and infrastructural development.
“Therefore, it is imperative for all Sarawakians to treasure and safeguard this political stability by standing steadfastly united behind the current BN government in order to achieve greater prosperity and progress in future years.
“We must appreciate the fact that the BN government is a caring, fair and just government. BN leaders give priority to the needs of the rakyat to reciprocate the strong support and confidence of the people.
“The fact that BN MPs and assemblymen brought projects and goodies to the grassroots were clear testimonies of our commitment and dedication to serve the rakyat, clearly underlined by the 1Malaysia concept espoused by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak with the tagline of People’s First, Performance Now,” said Lajim, stressing that BN government never marginalised or sidelined any ethnic group in the country.
Lajim reminded the people not to listen to rumours spread by the opposition to discredit the government.
He called on all local councils in Sarawak to adopt the LA21 to create a clean and harmonious living environment within their areas of jurisdiction.
Lajim announced that MDDM was given an annual grant of RM998,000 this year by the federal government.
MDDM chairman Walikota Ali Suhaili delivered a welcoming speech followed by a speech from Mukah MP Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad at the ceremony, which was also attended by a political secretary to the Chief Minister-cum-Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman Jahwie, Mukah Resident Saudi Narani and other heads of government departments and agencies.