SIBU: Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has urged Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to help Sarawak airlines secure landing rights in countries in the region.
He said the state government will soon sign a sale and purchase agreement to take over MASwings from Malaysia Aviation Group, targeting destinations outside Malaysia.
"We hope that you (Tiong) can help us to get the landing rights in these new markets," he said at the Annual Chinese New Year Gathering organised by the United Chinese Association, Sibu Division, last night.
Tiong, who is also the Bintulu member of Parliament and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president, was among the invited guests at the gathering..
Abang Johari said after taking over Bakun dam from the federal government and acquiring majority shares in Affin Bank, the state government now wants to have its own airlines for the people of Sarawak.
"We can do all these because our economy is strong. It is not free, but we have to pay when take over all these entities," he said.
The premier also urged Tiong not to forget Sarawak in the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 tourism campaign organised by the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
He said since Tiong is from Sarawak, he should also promote the state within the context of Malaysia.
He urged the Chinese business community to work with the state government to promote economic growth towards a prosperous Sarawak by 2030, saying that the community is good at doing business.
Abang Johari said he has been invited by Singapore to give a public lecture on Sarawak's economy at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute on Feb 10.
He added the lecture will also cover the direction of the state's renewable energy.
Among those present at the gathering last night were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, deputy ministers and business leaders.