Fazzrudin (seated, third left), flanked by Japri (seated, second left) and Awang Putrayusrie, in a group photo with programme attendees. — Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (Sept 22): Every Sarawakian has a role to play in countering misinformation and false perceptions about the state, said Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
The Sarawak Premier’s Chief Political Secretary said this in response to the continued perception, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, that Sarawak remains underdeveloped.
“It is not just a perception from the past; even today, there are still people who think of us that way. If we were described that way in the past, when people thought we lived in trees, I would not be surprised.
“I have personally experienced people saying such things to me. But my responsibility is to educate them and share information with those who may not fully understand what Sarawak is like today,” he said when officiating the Programme on Information and Explanation of Current Issues and Achievements of Sarawak Government Initiatives at the Sarawak State Library Gallery here today.
Fazzrudin said the programme helped community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) serve as ‘spokespersons’ and ‘ambassadors’ for Sarawak by sharing information on the state’s achievements, culture and way of life with people outside the state.
He added that the programme provided KMKKs with information on initiatives undertaken by the Sarawak government, as well as a better understanding of the state’s direction and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s objectives for Sarawak.
“When they understand, they will be on board to ensure these objectives can be achieved,” he said.
Fazzrudin added that the programme also helped outline the role of KMKKs and local communities in contributing towards the state’s objectives.
He noted that while not every initiative undertaken by the Sarawak government might be directly felt by every member of the public, he was confident its spillover effects would benefit all segments of society.
“That is why it is important for them (KMKKs) to understand the overall concept and objective of certain initiatives, as well as the spillover effects that can be felt by local residents,” he said.
Aluyah Salleh — Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
Meanwhile, Kampung Masjid Kuching village chief Aluyah Salleh, 66, said the programme was important and meaningful, particularly for KMKKs.
She said the information presented was clear and easy to understand, which would help facilitate information sharing with their respective village communities.
“I even asked the organiser, Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), to share the slides presented during the earlier briefing sessions,” she said.
Aluyah added that while she was already familiar with some of the information, the programme had given her a more detailed understanding of it.
Among those present were Ukas director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan and Sarawak State Library chief executive officer Japri Bujang Masli.