KUCHING, Sept 16 — Leaders of Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties in Sarawak, as well as the state government leaders, welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s speech and regarded it as a recognition of Sarawak’s contribution to Malaysia, socially and economically.

Sarawak Housing and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president, said it also reflected the federal government’s recognition to the various development programmes that had and being implemented in the state.

“The prime minister’s (picture) speech proved that leaders at the federal level recognise Sarawak, including its ability to continue to develop.

“I believe the close cooperation between both the government will provide a good environment for the state’s development,” he told reporters when asked to comment of the speech by the prime minister at the 50th Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka here today.

Abang Johari said the contents of the speech by the prime minister also showed that Sarawak was on the right track.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, who is also Sarawak Minister of Land Development, said the prime minister’s speech gave a new benchmark for the federal and state relations, as well as promised development for the state.

“I think Najib said very well, on the acknowledgement that Sarawak is one of the states that contributes not only for formation of Malaysia, but also for development,” he added.

Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom said today’s 50th Malaysia Day celebration clearly reflected the ability of Sarawak that it could do anything.

“The prime minister is so happy, he encourages us, not only for what we have achieved now, but also for future. And for today, we are trying to put a ‘show’ that remind us of our victory, complete with unity, diversity, and harmony to remind the people what we have all this time ,” he added.

For Human Resource Minister, Datuk Richard Riot, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy president, said the close relations between the federal and state governments had brought political stability.

Therefore, the prime minister hoped this good relationship could be maintained, he added.

“The prime minister hopes that this political stability will be maintained and we (Sarawak) is confident of maintaining the peaceful situation which will also provide a secured environment for a good economic growth to the federal and state governments,” he added. — Bernama