New Economy the way forward, Premier tells KL

BY NATASHA JEE, ALEXANDRA LORNA & JACINTHA JOLENE

KUCHING: The country’s economy must be reformed towards the ‘new economy’ in order to match development in neighbouring countries.

In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Malaysia’s economy had to be based on sustainability and renewable energy.

“We must reform our economy. It must be based on new economy. It is no longer business as usual.

“That is why we must move towards a sustainable economy, an economy based on renewable energy and enabling the children of Malaysia to contribute according to their capabilities,” he said.

He said this during the Unity Government National Convention held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (May 14).

Abang Johari, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman said the Unity Government must look at the future challenges that the country had to face, especially competition among its neighbouring countries.

“We (Malaysia) are confronted with many challenges, and in the context of Sarawak, as Indonesia plans to develop its new capital city, Nusantara, in Kalimantan.

 “Should Sarawak just look and (without taking any action)?”, he asked.

He then thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for giving a substantial allocation to Sarawak for development along the border with Indonesia.

“Let Tebedu (border in Sarawak) be on par with the Entikong border in Kalimantan, and not the other way around where Kalimantan takes the lead,” he said.

He also said Sarawak will continue to play its role in contributing to the development of the country so that it remains competitive.

On another note, Abang Johari reaffirmed the commitment of the GPS government to support the Unity Government under the leadership of  Anwar.

“The position of GPS has always been to work with a stable government that puts its energy into developing the country.

 “We are not talking about just for the Malaysian population’s sake, but we must be competitive in the world today,” he said.

He added this was the reason why GPS had decided to be part of the Unity Government as decreed by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

Leaders and representatives from the 19 political parties in the unity government converged for the inaugural convention.