PM assures Sarawak of higher priority for infrastructure development

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said tonight the federal government would give higher priority in terms of allocation for infrastructure development in Sarawak currently and under the 10th Malaysia Plan period (2011 to 2015).

He said the government wanted infrastructure such as roads and electricity and water supply to be implemented more extensively so as to bridge the gap in the facilities between Peninsular Malaysia and the state.

“In observing the Malaysia Day celebration, I once again stand before you as the head of government to say that we will bring more progress to Sarawak, in a fair and just manner,” he said in his address at a breaking of the fast at the Jamek Mosque in Petra Jaya, here.

Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, joined about 5,000 people of various communities at the function.

Najib said the government would continue to step up efforts to uplift from poverty 45,000 hardcore poor nationwide on the E-Kasih list of the Prime Minister’s Office.

“We also want to implement a major change so that Malaysians, regardless of whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims, are able to enjoy development. In this present age, poverty is not seen in terms of income only but also in the context of technology, skills and spirit,” he said.

“The government will continue to champion all these,” he said, adding that Islam demanded fairness, which was the basis of the 1 Malaysia concept, not only among Muslims but also for non-Muslims as that was the true Islam.

Najib said the people should be thankful because in the history of the country Muslims had been able to perform deeds to God because of the prevailing peace and their strong faith compared to those in countries without peace such as Iraq where mosques, markets and settlements were often the scenes of bomb explosions.

The prime minister thanked the non-Muslim leaders of Sarawak for having attended the function, saying it reflected the 1 Malaysia concept and helped to strengthen solidarity among the people.

“This is what will help make the concept a success in the effort to realise the objective of one dream, one people and one nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg recorded the state’s appreciation to the federal government for the allocation under the economic stimulus package to improve the infrastructure in the state.

“Under the leadership of Najib, Sarawak will continue to contribute towards making the country more prosperous, peaceful and progressive,” said Abang Johari, who represented Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the event. – Bernama


comments

why only now. scared that sarawak will turn the vote against BN?

it is the only state having only 1 oppisition and yet not having a full cabinet minster. and everything is far behind even the poorest of state.

still no road linking the every remote areas where as flyover and train is expanding in penisular and yet sarawak also 1 of the few major contributor of federal fund.

why never even say how much money is going to be committed?

Talk only kah....after all talk no need money mostly slaiva finish. Formula 1 is more important tha East Malaysia. So long as the UMNOed BNs are in your pocket...everything elses is just consequential.....