Sarawakians are not fools, CM tells Dr M

Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg today reminded former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Sarawakians are not fools who can be lied to.

At a townhall session with some 5,000 Sarawakian diaspora in the peninsula, Abang Johari cited the Pan Borneo Highway as one example of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's contributions to the state, a request which has been made since the time of Mahathir's 22-year rule.

"Sarawakians are people with principles...We want politics that can deliver," said Abang Johari who claimed that Mahathir has since sacrificed his own principles by working together with DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, whom he had demonised in the past.

"Let us determine our own destiny. Orang Sarawak bukan paloi (Sarawakians are no fools)...Don't bluff us," he said in pledging to continue negotiations with Putrajaya to reclaim Sarawak's rights as provided under the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963.

"I will protect BN at the state level and I will make sure that (federal) BN responds to what we want," said Abang Johari who is BN Sarawak chief.

Speaking in a mix of local Sarawakian dialect, Malay and English, Abang Johari was responding to an audience member who asked for comments over Mahathir's recent visit to Sarawak, his first since leading the federal opposition pact Pakatan Harapan.

Abang Johari earlier recalled his time serving as a state minister and difficulties to obtain funds for development, while Mahathir was still prime minister.

"At the time I was a minister in the (state) cabinet. We had asked if the (federal government under Mahathir) can build coastal roads," he said, adding that the promises made were never fulfilled due to alleged short of funds.

"But when Najib came (into power), they (promised to) build roads like in the peninsula...So smooth!," he said at the annual event dubbed Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak, now in its 10th year, held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The 2,325km Pan Borneo Highway, across Sarawak and Sabah, was first announced as part of Barisan Nasional’s manifesto during the 13th General Elections and later formalised in Budget 2015.

When met by reporters later, Abang Johari described the questions asked during the one-hour session as an indication that Sarawakians in the peninsula are happy with his administration of the state.

Among others, he cited questions raised on various state policies, including matters which touch on negotiations with Putrajaya for more rights to royalty from oil and gas activities.

"During Mahathir's time, we can't ask these questions because we are in fear.

"Alhamdulillah the leadership in Putrajaya today are more open (to negotiations)," he said.

Other leaders present at the event include Sarawakian cabinet ministers Richard Riot, Nancy Shukri and Rohani Abdul Karim.- Mkini