Taib performs the launch gimmick for the ‘Makan Malam Anak Sarawak’ dinner, witnessed by Raghad on his right, Abang Johari on his left, Tiong (front, right) and others.
KUALA LUMPUR: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has reiterated Sarawak government’s desire to follow its own path in developing the state, rather than depending entirely on the policies of the federal government.
Speaking during the ‘Makan Malam Anak Sarawak’ dinner held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here on Saturday, the chief minister said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition would aim to develop Sarawak to fulfil the needs of its young people.
“We have our own ‘acuan’ (mould) and the state leadership – GPS – will develop the state using the ‘Sarawakian mould’.
“We will not depend 100 per cent on the federal government, but we will have our own suitable approach according to the needs of Sarawakians,” the chief minister said.
The dinner was hosted in conjunction with the ‘Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak’ event this year, and was graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib.
Abang Johari further stressed that Sarawak would focus on four thrusts under the 12th Malaysia Plan, namely modernising agriculture, upgrading tourism and its services, infrastructure development, and developing higher education.
He said focusing on these four thrusts would put Sarawak on the path of becoming a high-income state by 2030.
Meanwhile in his speech, Bintulu MP Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, who is the event’s organising chairperson this year, said the dialogue sessions held throughout the course of the event gave Sarawak youths a platform to voice their opinions on various issues.