Sarawak’s green economy inspired by struggle of late Laila Taib, says Premier

KUCHING (Nov 19): Sarawak’s move to embrace green economy was inspired by the struggle of the late Datuk Patinggi Datuk Amar Puan Sri Laila Taib, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Laila, who initiated the formation of the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Sarawak (Sabati), had always emphasised the importance of preserving the environment.

“If you look at the state government’s policy to improve environmental sustainability, honestly, this idea was inspired by Datuk Patinggi Datuk Amar Puan Sri Laila Taib.

“I remember when I served as chief political secretary to our Chief Minister back then, Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, she always reminded me to take care of the environment. She said we must go for green, plant trees.

“Now my Cabinet colleagues and I are implementing what the late Laila told me and my colleagues.

“We are not only taking care of the environment, but we are also moving towards green economy and for that reason, I would like to thank to Sabati for giving us inspiration on how to manage our state,” he said when launching the opening of Galleri Laila (Laila Gallery) at Wisma Sabari in Jalan Bako here today.

Adding on, Abang Johari said Laila’s role in embarking on the setting up of Sabati has left a big impact not only to the members but also to the organisation itself.

Citing the establishment of the Laila Gallery as an example, he said such achievement reflects how Sabati has grown since its inception in 1981.

He also congratulated Sabati for their success establishing the gallery, and hoped that it would encourage their future leaders and members to continue carrying out charitable works.

“And hope it will also give inspiration to the leaders, especially the husbands, to also work hard for the rakyat while also improving the living standard of Sarawakians.”

Accompanying Abang Johari on his visit to the gallery was his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, who is also Sabati president.

Also present at the event were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; and former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

The Laila Gallery was established to showcase the history and activities of Sabati since its establishment on Aug 6, 1982.