IS STRONG’
and channel allocations to the grassroots.
The people, he said, should defend the current government as it was the best choice.
“We know it is easier to tear down a house, but to build it is harder. So, if there are termites, rats and other creatures creating damage, we should repair the affected parts because we want to retain the house,” he said.
Zahid also said he kept his promise of visiting Sabah twice a month not to gain popularity or because of the impending elections, but due to his commitment to his Sabahan peers as echoed by the prime minister.
On the three-day event, he said the government would continue to promote the state’s cultures internationally.
He said the town here, which was the doorway to Brunei and neighbouring Sarawak, had the potential to be known for many Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and state executive councillors.
Rahman was first appointed as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang in 2001 to succeeded Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir.
His reappointments were in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015.
Rahman was born on April 15, 1938, at Permatang Rambai, Kepala Batas. He received his early education at Sekolah Melayu Permatang Sintok.
He furthered his studies at the Sultan Idris Education University other things than just satay and the Gata festival.
He recalled how different the town was years ago, when he visited the district located 135km from Kota Kinabalu.
“At that time, I would not expect Sipitang or other towns in the district to be this developed. This is due to the commitment of the federal and state governments in realising growth.”
Zahid said the government would continue to support the festival. According to the organisers, the last event in 2014 saw 30,000 visitors attending.
“I would like to come back and see the numbers double. I know we have people from Sarawak, Indonesia and Brunei this time, but I like to see our friends from Thailand and other Asean countries, as well as New Zealand and Australia, at the event,” he said.
He hoped the festival’s committee chairman, Datuk Sapawi Ahmad, who is also Sipitang member of Parliament, would invite other countries to join in future.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the marketing and promotional initiatives at the district had helped to generate job opportunities for locals. in Tanjung Malim and Maktab Perguruan Bahasa in Kuala Lumpur.
He then took up a teaching position at Bukit Mertajam High School and SM Seri Muda Penaga. In 1973, he earned a degree in Arts from Universiti Malaya.
Rahman stepped into politics in 1977, after winning the Bertam state seat, which he held until 1990. He also served in various state government positions, as well as acting chief minister for a brief period in 1982, 1983 and 1984.