Put differences aside, safeguard state’s solidarity, harmony — Adenan
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem
According to him, differences of opinion, race and culture should not be the wall that drives a divide among the people in building a more advanced, peaceful and prosperous Sarawak.
“Much like the practice of the multi-racial and multi-religious society in the state, let us celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with goodwill and brotherhood among Muslims as well as our friends from other races and religions,” he said in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message yesterday.
Adenan pointed out that in Islam, fairness is often upheld as a principle for both Muslims and non-Muslims.
“The Muslim community in the state comprises only 25 per cent of the total population of Sarawak. As such, Muslims in the state ought to be grateful to the other communities because they can accept our leadership when we hold the leadership of the government today,” he said and expressed his belief that the non-Muslims can accept the leadership of Muslims because the Muslim community has continuously ensured that there is fairness for all.
He also touched on the last 11th state election through which he noted that Sarawakians had made their decisions and gave a pretty clear signal.
“I want to express my deepest and heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the people of Sarawak for giving me the mandate to lead the state government for another five years. It is the dream of all Sarawakians to see their beloved state become as advanced as Peninsular Malaysia in terms of infrastructure, basic facilities and economy. I am confident and believe that Sarawak is on the right track towards a more robust economy based on the current government’s performance in the last few years,” he said.
In terms of economic performance, Adenan said Sarawak has been given a ‘clean bill of health’ for the past 14 years consecutively, with a reserve of around RM27 billion in 2014.
“Sarawak is one of the biggest contributors to the national economy. Sarawak’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2014 was RM119 billion and its Income Per Capita was RM44,000,” he explained.
Adenan, who is also Finance Minister, said statistics have also shown that Sarawak’s economy is bigger than Penang’s economy which has a nominal GDP of RM71 billion and Income Per Capita of RM42,000.
On the other hand, he noted that Sarawak in terms of investments was at the top among the other states in the past four years since 2012. He said the state recorded investments amounting to RM11.8 billion in 2015 and was the second choice of destination for investors after Johor.
“With this achievement, Sarawak is at a better state compared to Selangor with RM7.96 billion and Penang with RM6.72 billion.
“Sarawak would not have been able to achieve such economic performance in the past few years if it does not have a responsible and visionary state government in addition to having a united society as well as giving full focus on development efforts.”
Adenan also said strong support from the people was needed especially in efforts to reclaim Sarawak’s power from the federal government which was eroded over time.
“I would also like to thank the federal government for being willing to negotiate with the state government so that the state’s powers as allocated under the Federal Constitution, Inter-Governmental Committee Report, and Malaysia Agreement 1963, which have eroded over time, are returned to Sarawak.”
While acknowledging that the negotiation process is complicated and will take some time, but with patience and support from Sarawakians, Adenan believes that it will succeed.
In concluding his Raya message, Adenan invited the people in the state regardless of race and religion to visit his Hari Raya Open House at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on the first and second day of Hari Raya from 10.30am to 4pm.
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