Satok transforms under Abang Johari
Published on: Thursday, April 28, 2016
Kuching: Thirty-five years ago, Satok was only a village within a forest.Presently, it is still a simple abode, but with a difference. It is a modern yet traditional village within a city.This transformation could not have been achieved without political will and the politician behind that will is state Housing Minister and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg who first became Satok assemblyman in 1981.ADVERTISEMENT Sarok is now a tourism centre as well as a trade centre for Kuching City. "Satok has a bright future and can enhance the image of the local Malays," he told Bernama. Almost 70 per cent of residents in Satok are Malay/Melanau but this does not mean that other races comprising 23 per cent Chinese, about four per cent Iban and the rest, Bidayuh and others, are not accepted as part of its community. "Even though the majority are Malay, for us the issue of unity is a priority," he said. ADVERTISEMENT The PBB deputy president began serving as Satok assemblyman after winning a by-election in 1981. He retained the seat in 1983, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011.
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In the 11th state election this year, BN once again chose him to be the candidate. Presumably, defending the seat against Mohamed Salleh Shawkatali of PKR would be a breeze for Abang Johari who is already synonymous with Satok, which has 13,550 voters. "The challenge is to convince the young voters. They are the power of the city. Everything revolves around the input we get from young people," he said.Nevertheless, he is confident that BN would retain its mandate in Satok, in view of the transformation undergone by the area.Yet he does not regard himself as 'the factor' in BN's continuous victory in Satok, attributing it to the coalition's strength."I won because of BN's track record…it's just that I am part of the BN leadership in Sarawak and Satok constituency," he said.In reality, it is his humble nature that draws voters to him.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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A state Regional and Social Development assistant minister in 1984, Abang Johari was appointed state Agriculture and Community Development Minister as well as state Industrial Development Minister in 1987.He remained as Industrial Development Minister in 1991 until 2000 before being appointed state Tourism Minister the same year and state Housing Minister in 2004. – Bernama