SELANGAU, Sarawak (Nov 14): Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) wants a stable federal government to bring prosperity by driving economic growth.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said national stability is very important to enable Malaysia, which recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) of 14.2% in the third quarter of 2022, to further boost the momentum of growth.

Presently, he said, Sarawak is actively exploring new economic sectors with its rich resources, which needed close cooperation between the state government headed by GPS and the federal government.

"There must be cooperation between the federal government [and] us (GPS). But we must deliver as many seats to assist KL as the GPS government needs a stable federal government.

"We hope YAB (caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) could form a stable government after this general election," he said when speaking at the opening ceremony of Selangau segment of the Pan Borneo Highway here on Monday (Nov 14).

The segment of the highway in the central division of Sarawak was opened by Ismail Sabri during a short visit to Sibu.

Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman, said the robust GDP growth is a good sign for the federal government and it should be supported by the people regardless of race and religion.

Meanwhile, caretaker Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the first phase of the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway stretching more than 786km across the Borneo island is almost fully completed.

Beginning in October 2015, the highway encompasses 11 work packages in which six alignments have been completed and are opened to the public.

"The latest overall progress status of the construction of Sarawak's Pan Borneo Highway project for the remaining 10 work packages from Sematan to Miri has reached 89% and it is expected to be completed next year," he said.

The 27km long Selangau section from Sungai Kua Bridge to Sungai Arip Bridge began construction on Nov 1, 2016 at a cost of RM588 million and was officially opened by the prime minister for use by road users on Monday.

The project, which helps disperse traffic from Sibu to Bintulu, will be a catalyst for the development of the surrounding areas, namely Sibu, Selangau, Mukah and Balingian, with better road access.

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