BY JAMES WONG & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: Retaining the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) top leadership uncontested signals political stability within the party, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He likened the party’s stability to calm waters, which allow its leadership to focus on serving the people effectively.
“When you are steering in calm waters, it is easy for the captain to steer the ship. When the captain can steer well, he can focus on the passengers. But if there are turbulent waves, he may lose control.
“Thank God, SUPP’s ship is sailing smoothly in the calm water. Let us prepare for SUPP to play your role in GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) to prepare Sarawak for a higher level of development,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the closing ceremony of the 26th SUPP Triennial Delegates Conference held at Dewan Sa’ati, SUPP Headquarters here today (Dec 8).
Abang Johari also noted that the political stability within GPS had enabled Sarawak to achieve significant economic growth, with its annual budget increasing from around RM5.8 billion five years ago to RM15.8 billion today.
“This is the result of GPS leadership. We work together as a team, identifying our strengths and focusing on ways to strengthen the government.
“We devote our time and are determined to generate significant revenue for Sarawak. When we are in a good position, we can concentrate on how to develop Sarawak and its people, especially the younger generation,” he said.
Abang Johari highlighted the state’s initiatives to make education more accessible as a key aspect of Sarawak’s development.
He pointed to the RM1,200 ‘pocket money’ provided to all students, regardless of age or background, as an example of the state’s commitment to supporting education.
“By 2026, in any Sarawak-owned university, irrespective of background and social standing, we will provide free tertiary education. You don’t need to have Bumi status. It’s colour blind.
“As long as you are eligible to enter any Sarawak university, you will receive free tertiary education. Even students with the UEC (United Examination Certificate) qualification from Chinese middle schools, which we have recognised, are eligible to enrol,” he stressed.
He said this initiative will give Sarawakians a competitive edge with the state’s multicultural and multilingual education system.
“Our people excel in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin, making them well-prepared for the demands of the new era,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Premier and SUPP president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and former deputy chief minister and SUPP advisor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.
