BINTULU: All people in all states must enjoy progress and developments but rural Sarawakians have been left too far behind, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“The Federal Government is still helping Sarawak a lot but the development funds have not been fairly distributed.”

“Sarawak is actually the richest state in Malaysia, but the money and resources have not reached all rakyat in Sarawak,” he said.

He claimed that his party Bersatu would come in to ensure equitable distribution of wealth in Sarawak.

Federal help to Sarawak has not reached the ordinary rakyat and something must be done about it, he said when launching Pribumi Bersatu Sarawak in Bintulu Civic Centre.

Dr Mahathir said Bersatu will fight for social and economic justice for all races in Sarawak.

“Pribumi Bersatu was meant for Malays. But we accept non-bumis as members in Sarawak but they are limited in their authority in the party," he said.

Bersatu Sarawak protem coordinator Datuk Mohd Ridzuan Yusof said multiracial and multiethnic Sarawak can be one united society.

“We are concerned about Sarawak especially those left behind in rural areas. I have been to many rural regions in Sarawak. It looks like the people in rural Sarawak are 30 years behind others in the country.," he said in his speech.

Deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said Bersatu is happy to see the strong response to the coming of the party to this state.

Bersatu will be getting close to all Sarawaks regardless of race and religion and we will fight for all races in Sarawak while defending the special rights of bumiputras in Sarawak," he stressed.

He urged Bersatu Sarawak to work with PKR, DAP and Amanah in this state to advance the cause of Pakatan Harapan to progress further in the state.

About 2,000 people witnessed the launching event at the Bintulu Civic Centre.