Strong financial standing, unity cornerstones for growth

KUCHING: A strong financial standing and unity go hand in glove in the endeavour to bring Sarawak forward.

Without these it would be challenging to provide for the needs of the people, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“I have learned that lesson on financial independence. That’s why, when I was given the opportunity to govern and lead Sarawak, the first thing I did when I took over from the late Pehin Sri Tan Sri Adenan Satem was to reinforce our financial position in Sarawak.

“We are now quite financially independent. When we have this strength, we can implement our plans for the people of Sarawak,” he said.

He made these remarks at the launching of a biography on Tun Openg: Sarawak’s First Governor at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Sunday.

He said he also learned two things from his late father Tun Abang Openg Abang Sapiee namely to prioritise education and economic stability.

“In our Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, we emphasise education for the children of Sarawak so that they become knowledgeable. That’s why we decided to offer free tertiary education to all Sarawakian children in Sarawak-owned universities.

“This is because we want to give everyone, especially the less fortunate, the opportunity to face the future,” he added.

Abang Johari also highlighted the state’s economic achievements and it being recognised as a high income state by the World Bank.

“We have strengthened our income. For the past two consecutive years, we have been recognised and acknowledged by the World Bank as a high-income state in Malaysia.

“We want to continue these efforts so that, God willing, Sarawak will continue to progress and prosper in the years to come,” he said.