The Borneo Post

For the greater good of Sarawak

Head of State calls for continuous support from Sarawakian­s for projects for the betterment of the people, especially the rural populace

- By Churchill Edward reporters@theborneop­ost.com

KUCHING: Sarawakian­s must continue to give their undivided support to the government to ensure that al l projects under the Rural Transforma­tion Initiative­s, the Pan Borneo Highway Project and those through Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy ( SCORE) are implemente­d and completed on schedule.

This is because the continual efforts in rural developmen­t should be able to open up greater opportunit­ies for the economic prosperity of the rural community, said Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in his Christmas message yesterday.

The state should also provide more good facilities and amenities for young people to develop their talent and to promote greater innovation and entreprene­urship among them in the era of digital economy, he added.

“As we enter into a more challengin­g phase of developmen­t, which entails an economic transforma­tion of the state towards a high-income economy, it is imperative that the people must keep abreast with the major challenges ahead,” said Taib, who was chief minister for 33 years before he became Head of State.

“As we know, Sarawak is operating in a world which is highly dynamic and volatile, that

As we know, Sarawak is operating in a world which is highly dynamic and volatile, that demands the state to continuous­ly broaden economic base, enhance knowledge, upgrade skills, be more efficient, productive and innovative in order to sustain and remain competitiv­e. Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Yang DiPertua Negeri

demands the state to continuous­ly broaden economic base, enhance knowledge, upgrade skills, be more efficient, productive and innovative in order to sustain and remain competitiv­e.

“Therefore, we must remain pervasive in the culture of good governance and uphold the highest level of integrity. At the same time, we must be agile and vigilant in facing the emerging external challenges arising from the global and regional competitio­ns and the increasing volatility in the world economy,” he advised.

Generally, Taib added, Sarawak is looking ahead to 2030, not only to attain the status of a developed state with high income economy but to achieve greater prosperity for the people who are living in small groups over a wide area throughout the length and breadth of the state.

“During this occasion, let us remind ourselves of positive developmen­t and preserve the good relat ionship between al l the ethnic and religious groups in the state and country,” he said.

“We take great pride that Sarawak has been able to achieve the present level of developmen­t, which ref lects the resilience and the strength of the people, our social unity and political stability,” he added.

The people in Sarawak, comprising about 30 ethnic groups and diverse religious beliefs and have very colourful background­s, have a long tradition of living in peace and harmony with each other, he noted.

“They respect each other’s religion, including Christiani­ty with its universal value of peace to the world and peace and goodwill among Mankind. Therefore, it is not a surprise that we are often being referred to as a model of friendly and harmonious society.

“The people, regardless of their ethnic origins and/or religious beliefs interact very well among themselves beginning from their days in school to their places of work.

“Generally, they have reached a level of interactio­n that can build a community to achieve greater peace, prosperity and harmony and happiness for the members ahead to keep Sarawak’s harmonious and peaceful way of life,” Taib stressed.

“As the New Year is coming and the spirit of the Yuletide is already in the air, I wish to offer my traditiona­l message of Merry Christmas and Happy and Joyous Tiding to all Malaysians in Sarawak. The season of Christmas is also the time for us to reflect on our performanc­e as we herald the New Year.

“I also take this opportunit­y to wish a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all Malaysians in Sarawak wherever they may be. May the New Year bring the state to a higher level of developmen­t and progress as planned and may the people continue to live in prosperity and achieve greater success in whatever fields of their endeavours. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2019 and may God the Almighty continue to protect us,” he said.

 ??  ?? Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud
Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud

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