Johari impressed by Sabah's development
Published on: Friday, March 17, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: Newly-appointed Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said he was impressed by Sabah's rapid development under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.He said the fast development has changed Sabah's landscape."I am impressed by the rapid development that has changed Sabah positively and hope both Sabah and Sarawak can look for common grounds to further accelerate economic development based on the strengths of both states," he said.
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He said this in his speech at a dinner hosted by Musa to celebrate his appointment as the new Sarawak Chief Minister, here, Thursday night.Earlier Thursday, Abang Johari, who is leading a high-level Sarawak delegation on his first official visit to the State, paid a courtesy call on Musa and also Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.Also in the delegation were members of the Sarawak business community to look into enhancing business networking and economic ties with their Sabah counterparts."We are very fortunate to have our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who is very concerned about the needs and interests of Sabah and Sarawak, with the most glaring being the Pan Borneo Highway project which will speed up development of the two states as well as rural areas.
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"Furthermore, Sabah and Sarawak can expect to enjoy bigger power where we can discuss and negotiate in resolving pressing issues or problems."Abang Johari said when Sarawak took over the Bakun Dam from the Federal Government, it was not an easy decision.
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"But, ultimately, we have one issue presented to the PM and managed to solve it which shows understanding between us and the country's top leadership," he said.He assured that Sarawak would work closely with Sabah in identifying and developing areas of common interest such as human resources via funds from the Human Resource Ministry.He also proposed that both states could adopt an approach in the aspect of R&D as both Sabah and Sarawak are known to have abundant and diversified natural resources.He also invited Musa for an official visit to Sarawak that could further boost development aspects for both states.On federation issues such as the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63), Abang Johari said he has a different approach from the late Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem (Tok Nan)."Sabah and Sarawak have special positions. Tok Nan would make 'noise' in pursuing the MA63 issues related to Sarawak, but I have a different approach as I am patient and has a personal state with Najib as both of our late fathers had signed the agreement.Meanwhile, Musa said he felt honoured that Abang Johari has chosen Sabah to make his first official visit since he became the new Chief Minister of Sarawak. He said Sabah and Sarawak have so many things in common as close neighbours in terms of history, social and culture.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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