‘Let’s show Sarawakians Boleh’

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Chief Minister urges people in the state to move forward and face challenges with confidence

Youths waving Jalur Gemilang at the state-level celebration in Kapit, signifying their move forward in nation-building. — Photo by Phyllis Wong

Participants waving national flags during the parade.

KAPIT: Sarawakians should exude more confidence that they can administer the state themselves, says Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem.

Speaking at the state-level 57th National Day celebration here yesterday, the chief minister said: “Let’s move with more confidence in ourselves in facing the challenges of the future. Yes, we as Sarawakians, can do whatever we are tasked to do.”

He also advised the rakyat to focus on the future as united people, without looking backwards.

“The decision that we made (more than) 50 years ago has not disappointed us. We have improved our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by leaps and bounds.”

He admitted that there were still many pockets of poverty, but the state had achieved much success since the formation of Malaysia.

Adenan attributed the vast transformation over the years to his predecessor, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

“Besides that, he (Taib) is also one of the pioneers of our independence.”

Adenan also took his hat off to pioneer leaders such as local-born leader Tun Jugah Barieng, Tan Sri Ling Beng Siew, Tun Abang Openg, Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui, and Datuk Amar Stephen Yong for their contributions to nation building.

Taib being greeted by Orang Ulu dancers. — Photos by Peter Sibon and Christopher Lau

(From left) Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan joining Adenan and Jamilah to wait for Taib’s arrival.

CM: Thank our pioneers for the freedom

“We should be very thankful to our pioneers of independence who have made us free and independent today.”

He reminded the rakyat to continue living in peace and harmony as this is the only place they could call home.

“Throughout this world, this is the only country we called our homeland, and this is the only state we can call as our own. Thus, this will be the only place where we shall live together.”

Meanwhile, the celebration’s organising chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, said the theme for this year’s celebration `Malaysia…Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta’ had given Malaysians the aspirations to move as one people.

Like Adenan, Masing also attributed what Sarawak is today to Taib.

“We are also proud of the contributions of our own well-known leader Tun Jugah, who had contributed to both the state and country.”

Present were Taib and his wife Toh Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Adenan’s wife wife Puan Sri Dato Jamilah Anu, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and his wife Dato Sri Empiang Jabu and State Legislative Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar.

(From right) Masing chatting with Awang Tengah, Kapit Temenggong Datuk Kenneth Kanyan and State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Moshidi Abdul Ghani before the start of the parade.

Pemanca Tony Kulleh of Belaga (right) with members of Royal Malaysian Navy contingent and Orang Ulu performers.