By Natasha Jee & Alexandra Lorna
KUCHING: A new legislation to ensure better future for Sarawakians will be tabled during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in November.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, however, did not reveal its details apart from saying that the proposed law would be for the future benefit of Sarawakians.
He was met during the Samariang Hari Raya Aidilfitri programme held at Grand Margherita Hotel on Saturday night (May 21).
Touching on the proposed sovereign wealth fund, he said it would be set up once a study on it is completed.
“We will set up the fund to bring positive returns to the state’s economy in the future,” he said.
He stressed that when one type of economy changes to a new one, there is a need to ensure that Sarawakians have the relevant knowledge and skills.
“I believe that the leadership of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) always has new ideas and the best plans for the benefit of Sarawakians,” said Abang Johari, who is also PBB president.
He added that the big victory of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the 12th state election — winning 76 out of 82 seats — proved that the people trusted the party to lead Sarawak.
“Therefore, PBB and its partners in GPS will continue to work together to develop Sarawak and make it a developed and high income state by 2030,” he said.
Among the things that will be continued, he said, are two social policies.
“Firstly, we will provide a deposit of RM10,000 each to help the B40 and M40 group to purchase their first homes. Secondly, Sarawak will expand Samariang with a new housing scheme, and similar development will also be carried out for Tupong, Satok, Pantai Damai, Demak Laut, and Tanjung Datu.”
Most importantly, he stressed, unity of the people must continue so that all projects could be able implemented smoothly.
Also present at the gathering were the premier’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and Federal-State Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Utility and Telecommunication Deputy Minister II, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki; Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman; and Tanjung Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan.