Dr Sim (centre) with Lo (third right), Heng Kee (fifth left), Theng (fifth right), Joo Phoi (second left) and others pose for a photo during the cake-cutting ceremony. Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for the support of Sarawakians to stand together with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to safeguard the state’s rights.
The Chief Minister said Malaysia’s political scenario had undergone unprecedented changes and Sarawak was caught in a delicate situation as many important issues remained outstanding.
“Therefore your mandate to support us again will be crucial to safeguard the rights of Sarawak. Together we fight for a better Sarawak,” he said at the Chinese New Year dinner hosted by the Federation of Kuching Division Community Associations at the Thian Court here last night.
His text of speech was read out by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Abang Johari, who is GPS chairman, added: “In Sarawak, we always try to do things without unnecessarily causing any tension among ourselves. We are not in the habit of bringing others down in the course of our duty towards the people and we strive to respect our fellow Sarawakians and their views.”
He said the Sarawak government preferred to do things quietly for the benefit of the people.
“And our strength lies in our service towards the people within the limit of our resources and without politicising anything,” he added.
Among those present were Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Temenggong Tan Joo Phoi, president of the federation Penghulu Tan Heng Kee and organising chairman Theng Chew Tong.