Taib: Change to progress with the times

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CM says Bintulu perfect example of product of progressive minds in ‘Hijrah’ spirit

MA’AL HIJRAH AWARD: Imam Besar Datuk Nahrawi Abdul Rahman (right) receives the Ma’al Hijrah 1432H special award from Salahuddin (third right). Also seen are Taib (left) and Daud (second right).

BINTULU: A shift in mindset will enable Sarawak to maximise its participation in large scale economy at the international level through Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said that people’s minds that progress with the times and with new ideas were much needed in spearheading development.

“Migration today is not only physical but also involves a mindset change in the process of playing a bigger role,” he said at a state Ma’al Hijrah 1432H celebration here yesterday.

Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and Assistant Minister of Islamic Affairs Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman were also present at the function.

According to him, SCORE was a depiction of the state’s efforts in developing the state and it needed the people to adjust themselves with a change of mindset especially in the aspect of workforce needed for success.

He added that Bintulu was among the best examples of development based on the hijrah spirit.

From being a fishing village of 5,000, Bintulu is now a gas-producing town.

“Last time we only depended on fishing activities but now Bintulu is a major stopping point for ships carrying gas from all over the world,” he said.

Bintulu’s development he said, did not stop there but it would be followed by an aluminium smelting industry included in SCORE.

“This shows that the transition towards development in Sarawak involves modern technology,” he said.

While acknowledging the contributions of non-Muslims to the state’s development, he requested that they joined hands and work together.

“That’s why the ‘Tokoh Maal Hijrah’ is also awarded to non-Muslims. This is our way of acknowledging their contributions to the state’s development,” he said.

Taib added that the state’s Muslims must stay united with non-Muslims to ensure consistent development.

“Sarawak is a model state that practises religious tolerance. We must not be too much or too little on religious issues,” he said.