Adenan and Zahid wave to the crowd at the Hari Raya do in Kuching
KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi warned "disruptive elements" not to destroy the good ties between the Federal Government and Sarawak.
No one should try to come between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, he warned.
"The relationship between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching will continue to grow stronger because the Prime Minister has confidence in the leadership of the Chief Minister.
"Don't any groups or individuals dare to destroy the good relationship between peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
"I will ensure that no disruptive elements cause a split in this relationship," he said at the Rela Hari Raya gathering at the Indoor Stadium here on Friday.
Zahid, making his first visit to Sarawak since becoming Deputy Prime Minister 10 days ago, said he would help Najib to preserve and strengthen the Federal Government's ties with the state.
"If any outside elements try to divide us, the Home Ministry and Rela will be the frontline of defence to protect the relationship," he said.
Zahid said he would ask Najib for more allocations to assist rural folk in Sarawak.
"I'm confident that the Chief Minister will be able to get the support of a big majority of Sarawakians," he said adding that he would visit Sarawak more often as long as the state leaders and people welcomed him.
Adenan said Zahid should visit the rural areas where development is much needed, including basic amenities like water, electricity and roads.
"I hope he will follow the footsteps of the Prime Minister who always visits Sarawak and gives us millions in projects.
"This is because Sarawak is still lagging behind peninsular Malaysia in terms of development," he said.
Adenan thanked Najib for appointing eight ministers and four deputy ministers from Sarawak in the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
"This is the first time there are so many Federal ministers from Sarawak.
"It shows that they have confidence in Sarawak because we always deliver the goods," he said, referring to the state Barisan Nasional's strong showing in the last general election when it won 25 of 31 parliamentary seats.
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