Sarawak’s progress must not be held hostage, says pundit

Chong (left) and Minos.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 20: There is simply no logic or common sense in opposing the project of autonomous rapid transit (ART) and the proposed projects of a new airport and seaport as Tanjung Embang as Sarawak must move forward; it cannot afford to remain stagnant or backward.

This is the view of political pundit Datuk Peter Minos who argued that when the opposition objects to development that benefits Sarawak, they are either being negative, actively resisting progress, or simply opposing for the sake of opposing.

He held that all right-thinking Sarawakians appreciate that the Sarawak Government is planning ahead, raising funds for constructive developments, and delivering projects that will benefit us now and in the future.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg and the Sarawak Government, to him, are truly progressive and proactive in seeking and implementing major improvements for Sarawak.

“This GPS administration is working diligently and admirably for the State.

“So, oppose as you like, but do not oppose the positive, necessary developments that Sarawak needs to keep pace with global modernization,” said Minos in a statement.

He acknowledged the right of the opposition to object. However, he believed that it must be done with a sense of responsibility, maturity, and respectability.

“The opposition cannot oppose everything to the point of undermining public interest or the public good.

“In the UK, as far as I am aware, the opposition is called ‘His Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition’ because it remains responsible to the nation. It presents alternative budgets, proposes ideas to improve lives, and suggests better ways and methods forward.

“However, our opposition, sorry to say, opposes everything: the ongoing ART (autonomous rapid transit) project, the proposed new airport, the new port at Tanjung Embang in Asajaya, and many other developments,” said Minos.

He said many welcome the ART and since the Sarawak Government has the funds for it, there is no reason not to build it. Every growing city in the world needs modern transit to reduce traffic congestion. Sarawak cannot remain behind while the rest of the world modernizes.

All Sarawakians, he believed, welcome the news that the Government plans to build a major new airport near Kuching which Sarawakians
badly need, as air travel is now essential for business and tourism.

“In 10 years, Sarawk’s current airport will no longer cater to local needs and fast-growing tourism. We genuinely need a larger, better facility. As for the new deep-sea port, we need that as well.

“Sarawak and Kuching occupy a strategic location in ASEAN. Our industries are growing rapidly, and more nations are doing business with us. A modern, large-scale port is absolutely essential,” said Minos.

Minos was believed to be responding to Democratic Action Party Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen (Pandungan Assemblyman) who had urged Sarawak to scrap projects of airport, ART, deep-sea port amid overspending concerns. –DayakDaily