MUKAH: Deputy president of Saberkas Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday said it is very important for Saberkas to have grassroots leaders whose thinking are in tandem with the mainstream thoughts of Saberkas and state leadership.

He said this when he spoke as guest of honour at the triennial general meeting (TGM) of Saberkas Mukah District yesterday.

“Leaders and members of Saberkas should play leading roles to ensure that Sarawak continues to develop further as our leaders emphasise industrial development and modern agriculture to elevate Sarawak to greater heights.

“In this regard, we need to have grassroots leaders who are knowledgeable and well-versed in both the macro and micro concepts of our social and economic plans.

“Additionally, we must also have strong and resilient leaders and members so that we can successfully face the many challenges brought about by modern developments,” said the Housing Minister.

As such, he said, it is very important to use multi-faceted approaches in the implementation of development projects.

Johari also pointed out that Saberkas leaders and members must be responsive to the developmental visions and mission of the state leadership.

On Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), he said as it would generate more than 2.6 additional jobs by the year 2030 it would need youths who are knowledgeable, skilful, wise and resilient.

“Therefore, we need to emphasise good education for our youths so that they become employable in heavy industries; give quality services in sectors such as tourism which will benefit a lot from the spin-offs from heavy industries.

“This is where Saberkas is called to bring youths into the mainstream of development,” said Johari, who also called on youths to be prepared for the Asean free trade scheduled for 2015.

“There will be greater economic opportunities when Asean opened up.

“Sarawak, for example, could play a major role in supplying energy for this region; at least to West Kalimantan,” he said.

He also called on Saberkas members to guide youths to enter colleges and universities in Sarawak so as to have a greater pool of quality human capital.

In his welcoming address, chairman of Saberkas Mukah District Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad said Saberkas needed to take the lead in creating a big pool of quality human capital for Sarawak.

Dr Muhammad Leo is also Mukah member of parliament.

Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing, Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Mukah Resident Abdullah Jamil and other senior leaders of Saberkas were also present at the function.