‘Learn from turmoil besieging many nations’

TIME FOR CHARITY: Awang Tengah (third left) symbolically handing over seven personal computers to SK St James Rayang Padawan which was represented by its school board chairman Johari Jefrydin.

KUCHING: The rakyat should wise up and learn from the financial turmoil plaguing countries such as the United States, Spain and Greece.

Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the political instabilities in some countries in the Middle East should also be noted.

“We should learn from these countries and avoid all undesirable incidences from happening in our country, even though such (destructive) elements already exist here,” he said at a function to distribute RM235,000 to 52 organisations here yesterday.

The annual donation by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) is the brainchild of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who mooted it in 1982.

Awang Tengah told those present that the rakyat must continue to rally behind the government and remain united for continued prosperity.

He reasoned that when political stability and racial unity prevail, economic developments would follow as investors would only go to areas which they could thrive.

On certain groups still throwing brickbats at the state government even though the voters had spoken loud and clear during the April 16 polls, Awang Tengah said these groups of people were merely soliciting for sympathy.

“Voters gave the government a huge mandate during the election and yet these irresponsible parties are still questioning us.

“They are painting a negative image of the state to enable outsiders, who would be more than happy, to take advantage of the situation.”

On Ramadan, Awang Tengah said all Muslim must continue to work hard and not use the fasting month as a reason to take a breather.

“We must work hard to ensure our productivity and services are not affected.”

Among those present were Sebuyau assemblyman Julaihi Narawi and STIDC’s general manager Datu Sarudu Hoklai, deputy general manager Hashim Bojet and management board committee member Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain.

by Jeremy Veno, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on August 13, 2011, Saturday