Abang Johari (second right) in conversation with Datin Seri Ruziah Mohd Tahir (second left), who is the wife of Fadillah (right) during the open house event at CIDB Convention Centre. — Bernama photo
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has confirmed that Sarawak will host this year’s national-level Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16.
According to him, the proposal for Kuching to stage this year’s do was made by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Steering Committee meeting last month.
“I accept the proposal by the Prime Minister and have informed him that Sarawak is ready to play host for this year’s celebration… in fact, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali was also present at the time,” he told reporters when met after visiting Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s Hari Raya Open House at CIDB Convention Centre, here yesterday.
Abang Johari said a committee will soon be set up between the state and federal governments to organise the celebration.
On another matter, the chief minister said the formation of the Sarawak Development Committee reflects the good relationship between the state government and Putrajaya.
He pointed out that this showed the confidence both governments have in working closely with each other despite being on different political platforms.
“We have a good collaboration. There are many federal ministers who have visited us, and what gave this confidence is the Sarawak Development Committee chaired by (Works Minister) Baru Bian and (Deputy Chief Minister) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“With this, it (committee) can be implemented well especially in the interest of development in Sarawak,” he added.