MUKAH: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said there have been efforts made by “outsiders” to divide Sarawakians out of jealousy over how well the state government has been managing Sarawak.
As an example, he specifically mentioned the federal Minister of Finance, Lim Guan Eng, who claimed that Sarawak would go bankrupt in three years’ time under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“He was trying to split the bumiputeras of Sarawak, but luckily, we are not stupid. In fact, we are smart,” he said when officiating at the closing of Matu Festival and the opening of the Matu District Gawai-Raya 2019 here yesterday.
He stressed that although a number of development projects were cancelled by the federal government, Sarawak is still able to fund them on its own.
This, he reckoned, has made some outside Sarawak “mad at us”, and so they have been trying to discredit the state government and instigate Sarawakians to reject it.
“There are people who want to divide Sarawak bumiputeras, but thankfully I have been able to come up with ways for Sarawak to earn extra revenue by imposing a five per cent sales tax on oil and gas which is allowed under our state law,” he said.
“The tax could earn Sarawak an extra RM3 billion beside RM7 billion revenue (per year) for a total of RM10 billion.
“This revenue will be used to build bridges, this Matu Waterfront, and improve the standard of living of the rural people.
“We must never give our rights to these outsiders. Only Sarawakians know how to develop Sarawak,” he said.
Hence, he urged Sarawakians to always be united, unlike Malayans who are divided by the various political parties and their promises.
“We must put aside personal interest and be united. If we are not united, especially us bumiputeras, we may lose Sarawak,” he stressed.
