Sarawakians receive state BN manifesto positively
KUCHING, April 11 (Bernama) -- The six-thrust Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto unveiled last Monday was positively received by natives of the state, more so with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pledging to ensure that the aspirations of the people will become a reality.
Jemat Mahidi, 50, a teacher, welcomed the second thrust to provide better educational facilities and opportunities and to adopt the English language as the second official language, which he said was in unison with the central BN manifesto announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last Saturday.
He said the Sarawak BN manifesto efforts to elevate the use of English as a second language was certainly hailed as it is an international language.
"English proficiency among students will provide them with greater opportunities to explore career options overseas," he said when met by Bernama.
He said the education incentives such as the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) were great initiatives in providing youths with the opportunity to advance in science and technology.
"Sarawak has rich natural resources and with more Sarawakians educated in science and technology, this will further facilitate the management of Sarawak's assets and we will no longer have to depend on outsiders to manage them," said the teacher.
Yaman Median, 43, who shared the same view said the move would increase the local graduates' employability as well as enable them to advance in their careers.
A private sector employee Liza Jemos, 26, was on the other hand excited over the thrust to continue enhancing rural transformation by improving basic infrastructure, roads, water supply, electricity and telecommunications.
"As a resident of Kampung Bandong, Serian, our main problem had always been water supply disruption especially during the festive seasons. Hopefully if Barisan Nasional wins, this will no longer be a problem," she said.
Nur Amalina Atan, 24, was also enthusiastic over the state BN's pledge to continue to provide better and more comprehensive infrastructure, especially in the remote areas.
"This will provide more opportunities for the local communities to advance, enhance external communication, expand market for commercial products, thereby help to improve their living standard," she said.
Another teacher who only wanted to be known as Mohd Yusof, 57, said the manifesto was overall promising for state economic development as it was seen to be comprehensive and holistic.
-- BERNAMA
