Premier: Private sector can check Sarawak gov’t without opposition

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 18: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says the private sector can play a crucial check-and-balance role in the State government by professionally identifying weaknesses in policies and systems, without relying solely on political opposition.

He said business institutions could provide practical feedback on issues affecting the economy, allowing the government to review and improve its systems through constructive cooperation.

“When people talk about check and balance, you don’t need a party to check us. The institution can check us, you can check us,” he said during the Sarawak Business Federation’s (SBF) 10th Anniversary Dinner held at UNIFOR Complex last night.

Abang Johari said the government recognised that it did not have all the answers and needed input from industry players who understood the practical challenges faced by businesses.

“For instance, you got problem with foreign workers. Or if our system is not good, then we review our system together with you,” he said.

He contrasted this with political opposition parties, which he said could be driven by the need to gain public support, arguing that professional institutions could help identify shortcomings and provide constructive solutions.

Citing AirBorneo as an example, Abang Johari pointed to an issue involving third-party ticket sales, which he described as a black-market problem.

He said the government did not need opposition parties to point out such problems, as it could identify weaknesses in the system and take corrective action.

“You don’t need opposition to tell us, you know what’s going on, check and balance,” he said.

Abang Johari stressed that the private sector’s role was not merely to criticise the government but to identify what was wrong so that improvements could be made for the benefit of the wider economy.

Turning to Sarawak’s economic transformation, he highlighted the importance of closer cooperation among businesses across Borneo, noting that SBF was working with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce towards forming a Borneo business community.

He said such cooperation could help expand cross-border trade and create opportunities for businesses to participate in emerging industries, particularly carbon trading and renewable energy.

Also present during the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; SBF life president Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Abang Openg; SBF president Dato Jonathan Chai Voon Tok; and SBF’s 10th Anniversary Dinner organising chairperson Lohong Tajang. — DayakDaily

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