KUCHING: The state must have enough hospitals and clinics in both its urban and rural areas to provide better healthcare to the rakyat, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin says.
DUN OPENING : Salahuddin (second left) greeting Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahumd before the opening ceremony. Flanking them are Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang (right) and DUN Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nasar.
“I hope that issues regarding the lack of beds and health facilities can be solved immediately. This is in view of the growing population and increasing demand from the public,” the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri said when opening the current State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday.
“At the same time I also hope that the people will practise healthy lifestyle at all times,” he added.
The Head of State said prudent planning was required to improve the public healthcare services in Sarawak.
He said that the development and prosperity of a country depended very much on its healthy society and this could be achieved when adequate and high quality health services were available.
Touching on issues related to security, the Head of State in his speech called on the relevant authorities to check encroachment activities into Sarawak’s waters.
“Sarawak is a state which is rich with natural resources that can be developed for our economic growth. We also have wide coastal waters with abundant and high potential marine resources.
“Nevertheless, there have been reports that foreign fishermen had encroached into our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and this will not only affect the catch of the locals but is also a threat to the security of the state,” he said.
He said as such the relevant agencies should beef up their patrols and enforcement within the affected areas to curb such activities.
Earlier, Salahuddin praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his ability to bring about some transformations for the country to move forward through the various policies introduced by the government.
“We are so fortunate because despite facing a change in leadership the country can still continue its efforts to achieve Vision 2020.
“Policies and strategies introduced by the prime minister, namely 1Malaysia Concept, Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), I believe will help us achieve our vision,” he said.
He said with the implementation of the programmes, the country should be able to progress at a faster momentum to achieve its status as a nation with high income.
“I am also confident that those programmes will make the government administrative system more transparent, competent and supported by the people. Subsequently it will ensure that each and everyone will participate in country’s mainstream development,” he disclosed.
He said as far as the 1Malaysia concept was concerned, it was most applicable and suitable with the values and lifestyle of the people in Sarawak, who were of multi races, religions and cultures.
The Head of State also congratulated the national and state leaders for their ability to improve the economy.
“With this positive development, employment opportunities and trades will also increase and at the same time will uplift the living standard of our people,” he said.
He added that since the economy of the country was recovering, the people, particularly graduates and youths, should equip themselves with knowledge and skills in various technical and professional fields.
This was important to enable them to take up the opportunities to be created, especially through the implementation of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
“I am pleased with the success of the government in introducing the New Economic Model (NEM) which is aimed to make Malaysia a high income country.
“I am optimistic that this economic transformation programme will create more high-income businesses and jobs to improve the living standard of the people.
“I am also happy with the commitment of the government in eradicating poverty. The government aims to totally eradicate hardcore poor and further reduce poverty rate to 2.8 per cent by year 2010 and for this I urge that political leaders, community leaders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) support such effort.”
For the current DUN sitting, he reminded all the elected representatives to understand their duties, responsibilities and trust that the people have put in them.
“As people’s representatives, you have to play a major role in looking after the welfare of the people and to ensure the process of continuous development in their respective areas.
“I urge the DUN members to contribute meaningful ideas during this sitting session and I also hope that the process will be conducted with high discipline, well-mannered and respectful,” he said.