State autonomy: Abg Jo to help CM discuss with Putrajaya

Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg

KUCHING: One of the top priorities for newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg is to assist Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem negotiate with the federal government for greater state autonomy.

Abang Johari said their long working relationship would enable them to tackle this challenge as promised in the BN manifesto during the just concluded state election.

“What is important is our negotiation with Putrajaya. We must know the history of the formation of Malaysia and get back the rights of Sarawak.”

“As deputy chief minister, I will be working with him (Adenan) to put forth Sarawak as an equal partner within Malaysia,” said Abang Johari, who has also been appointed as Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Minister of Housing and Urbanisation.

He said the state would prepare for a more structured negotiation to achieve its aim of greater state autonomy.

“If greater autonomy can be achieved, Sarawak will be better administered,” said Abang Johari after the swearing-in of the cabinet members at the State Assembly Complex yesterday.

Describing the new cabinet as “compact”, he said it was a good mixture of experienced old guards and new blood.

“All of us have different experiences and diverse backgrounds. With the joining of new blood, I am confident Sarawak will be further developed.”

He welcomed the return of Chinese voters in the May 7 polls although not all of them came back to the BN fold.

“There has been an increase in number of seats in SUPP, though not a hundred per cent. With that achievement, the chief minister was able to appoint two ministers in the cabinet because he wants an inclusive one.

“The appointment of the two ministers would augur well for the Chinese community as well as overall development of Sarawak.”

 

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