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Abang Johari: Sarawak seeks strong, stable govt for Malaysia's growth

KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said it is the desire of Sarawak to see a strong and stable government to lead Malaysia that would ensure economic growth and stability.

"This is politics. For us in Sarawak, we want a strong and stable Malaysia," he said at a townhall session held in conjunction with his eighth anniversary as the premier of the state last night.

Abang Johari said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has always stressed the importance of stability in the country.

In just five years since its formation in 2018, GPS, led by Abang Johari, played a key role in determining Malaysia's Prime Minister on three occasions.

"As long as the appointment of prime ministers would lead to political stability, we will give our support," he said.

GPS, with its significant number of MPs, secured majority support for the eighth Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on 1 March 2020, the ninth Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob on 21 August 2021, and the tenth Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from November 24, 2022.

Abang Johari also said Malaysia needs a robust and steady government due to external challenges.

One such issue is the geopolitical tension surrounding the South China Sea, which has become a power play area for major powers.

"Sarawak is coincidentally facing the South China Sea," he said.

"If Malaysia experiences a political crisis, what would happen? It would mean that external problems could affect Malaysia's sovereignty," he added.

Sarawak is located on the island of Borneo, in the northeastern part of Malaysia. It is the largest state in Malaysia and faces the South China Sea to the northwest.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari rubbished claims that Sarawak took advantage of the political situation in the country for its own benefits.

"These are jealous narratives," he said when asked by a moderator.

"If Sarawak is prosperous, Malaysia is also prosperous," the premier said in reference to the state's 2025 state budget.

The Sarawak government announced its largest-ever budget of RM15.8 billion, with nearly 70 per cent allocated to development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and the quality of life for its citizens.

"If we manage our economy properly, the result will be positive," Abang Johari said.

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