PETRA JAYA : Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg is steering Sarawak in the right direction by introducing a policy for the state to embrace digital economy.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, when applauding the chief minister, said the digitising the state’s economy would help to create more avenues for the younger generation to venture into entrepreneurship.
The head of the state said he was confident the creative lot among young entrepreneurs in Sarawak could benefit from the policy and expand their business on the global scale.
“I would like to call upon the younger generation today to equipped themselves with skills and knowledge on digital technology and seize the opportunity made available by the government.
“I also hope all quarters will appreciate and support the efforts and initiative introduced by the state government, which will benefit all of us,” said Abdul Taib when officiating the special sitting held in conjunction with the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly’s 150th anniversary here today.
All state assemblymen from both sides of the political divide except Violet Yong (DAP-Pending) attended the special sitting at the Sarawak State Assembly Complex here.
Abdul Taib called on Sarawakians to continue preserving their strength and identity in meeting the demands of the digital era, which would change and disrupt the work process and way of life.
The governor also lauded the initiative introduced by Abang Johari, who had formed Development Bank of Sarawak, Sarawak-owned oil and gas firm Petros, and the Sarawak Multimedia Authority.
The establishment of these three bodies, he said, would accelerate economic growth, which in turn, would help to improve the livelihood of the people.
“I am also glad that the present state leadership will continue to fight for our rights and championed our struggles as what is enshrined in the Malaysian Agreement 1963, which includes our exclusive rights to territorial waters and natural resources,” he said.
Abdul Taib had earlier inspected the Guard of Honour, comprising 150 officers from the 11th Battalion General Operations Force led by Deputy Superintendent Lokman Adli Ihsan, during the opening ceremony special sitting.
Sarawak State Assembly is the oldest legislature in the country, formed by the then Rajah Muda Charles Brooke under orders of Rajah James Brooke.
The General Council first convened a village in Bintulu on Sept 8, 1867. It was renamed Council Negri in 1903 and later renamed as the State Legislative Assembly in 1976.
Translated from Berita Harian