He said as one big family, there will be differences of opinion between Sarawak and the peninsula.
However, he said such a situation is not a big issue if an amicable solution can be reached.
“There are no differences that we can’t overcome if they are discussed in a sincere way for mutual benefit and win-win results,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Malaysian Family Aspirations Tour (AKM) at Dataran Perayaan Petra Jaya here today.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Abang Johari said he appreciated the autonomy and “little freedom” given for Sarawak to make its own decisions in the Federation of Malaysia for the sake of the state’s progress.
He hoped that through this freedom, Sarawak would become on par with other developed areas in the country.
“As part of the big Malaysian Family, I am sure that the prime minister and the nation’s leadership would like to see the success of any development programme implemented in Sarawak,” he said.
During the three-day Sarawak AKM tour, various events and activities have been lined up with the involvement of 28 public service agencies providing assistance and services.
Meanwhile, Ismail said he was confident that Sarawak’s target to be a developed state by 2030 can be achieved under Abang Johari’s leadership.
He said the federal government will continue to prioritise the development of Sarawak and this was proven by the development expenditure allocation of RM4.55 billion provided under the Second Rolling Plan of 2022 of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
“An allocation of RM5.77 billion has been provided under 12MP to develop and upgrade schools and educational institutions in Sarawak.”
According to him, out of the 409 new development and extension projects for schools, 111 have been fully completed, 109 are at the implementation or construction stage and another 189 are in the pre-construction phase.
“An allocation of RM2.16 billion has also been provided to cover 361 projects to upgrade and rebuild schools with dilapidated buildings,” he said.
He said the government is also improving the existing road network from Miri to Limbang and Lawas, via Brunei, under the Trans Borneo Highway project, involving upgrading works along 96.35km at a cost of RM2.93 billion. This will take three years.