The Borneo Post

Give specific attention to devt in Sarawak — TYT

- Reports by Antonia Chiam, Marilyn Ten and Samuel Aubrey

I believe Sarawak will not be left behind in the developmen­t process in line with the spirit of the Keluarga Malaysia, which values the prosperity of the state and the wellbeing of the people of Sarawak.

Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud

KUCHING: The federal government has been asked to continue paying specific attention to developmen­t in Sarawak, especially in the areas of economy and infrastruc­ture, said Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

In his address at the opening of the 19th State Legislativ­e Assembly (DUN) sitting here yesterday, the Head of State said he is confident that the socio-economic developmen­t of Sarawak will be able to develop to be on par with that in Peninsular Malaysia.

“I believe Sarawak will not be left behind in the developmen­t process in line with the spirit of the Keluarga Malaysia, which values the prosperity of the state and the wellbeing of the people of Sarawak.

“I am confident that the Sarawak leadership will always strive to maintain a good relationsh­ip with the federal government. I would like to express my appreciati­on and thanks to the federal government for the assistance and support given to the Sarawak government,” he said.

Taib also said he is glad that the amendment to the Constituti­on Bill relating to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was approved by the Dewan Rakyat in December 2021.

He said this further strengthen­ed Sarawak’s position in the Federation of Malaysia and proved that the spirit of unity in Keluarga Malaysia has been establishe­d.

On another note, he hoped Putrajaya will work closely with the Sarawak government to strengthen border security.

“I also urge the federal government to intensify our cross-border monitoring and enforcemen­t mechanisms.

“This will ensure that our public safety and border security will not be threatened in our efforts to make Sarawak a developed state,” he said.

Taib noted that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has demonstrat­ed and adopted a mature political climate and placed the state’s harmony and stability as the main agenda.

“Although the 12th State Election was held during a difficult period due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our people have managed to fulfil their responsibi­lities.

“I believe our people have made the right choice because they chose a strong government who also always put the interests of the people in every action,” he said.

Taib said he is grateful and proud that Sarawakian­s have remained united and calm in the face of the pressures of the Covid19 pandemic and the uncertaint­y of the world economy.

“This is the strength we have and must defend. The trust of the people of Sarawak in the programmes and efforts of the federal and Sarawak government­s in tackling the pandemic is very significan­t, and prepares our state to move into the endemic phase,” he added.

Taib called on the people, especially the younger generation to continue to maintain an atmosphere of harmony and tolerance.

“Peace and unity are the most meaningful heritage gifts from us to future generation­s,” he said.

 ?? — Penerangan photo ?? Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (left) presents Taib with his text of speech, as Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib looks on. Also seen is DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
— Penerangan photo Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (left) presents Taib with his text of speech, as Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib looks on. Also seen is DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
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