Taib (third left ) putting a card in a slot as a launch gimmick for CMS 40th Anniversary Coffee Table Book, witnessed by Ragad
(second left), Syed Anwar (fifth right), Abu Bekir (left), Curtis (fourth right) and others.
KUCHING: Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMS) is a good model for other companies wishing to propel Sarawak to greater heights of progress to emulate.
In stating this, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud cited the role of the conglomerate in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
“CMS has taken very bold steps in supporting SCORE and also helped the state government not to resort to creating another corporate government statutory body to ensure that SCORE will be a success,” he said in his speech at the CMS 40th anniversary dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Wednesday.
“I am very happy that CMS has taken its role very seriously and will probably play a greater part in the development of SCORE in the future,” he added.
According to Taib, CMS had done a lot in the development of industries in the state, citing, among many others, its involvement in the first sophisticated fertiliser complex in Sarawak and Malaysia.
He expressed confidence that with CMS managed by professionals who have the ability to go far and beyond, the company is capable of undertaking many development programmes, which he said would augur well for the state’s future and contribute to the success of industries in SCORE.
At the same time, he took pride that when he was chief minister CMS never took advantage of their link with him and that the company played its roles like any other entity.
“I shut it out from my life for … until now and I am very happy to see that the management of CMS understands why I have to shut them out because I don’t want any contradictions between my private interest and my duty as Chief Minister before,” he said.
“Today I am very happy to see CMS doing very well without taking advantage of its position and its link with the government,” he elaborated.
Congratulating the company for its 40th anniversary, he advised its management and staff to continue their good work and be proud of the professional integrity of the company, which he said was more important than big profits.
Meanwhile, CMS Group chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Syed Anwar Jamalullail said the supporting role the company played in the state’s development had compelled them to take a long-term view of their business.
“We have to rethink our business model to acknowledge that CMS is not just a run for the benefit of its shareholders but for the benefit of the multiple stakeholders comprising over 2,200 staff, their customers, suppliers, their shareholders and especially the communities that call Sarawak home,” he said.
He was proud to note that CMS had a special combination of strengths that included the unwavering dedication of its staff, strong balance sheet and steady and sustainable profit.
“When these are combined with the opportunities arising out of Sarawak, CMS can be confident of continued growth for the next 40 years and beyond,” he said.
In conjunction with the occasion, Taib launched the CMS 40th Anniversary Coffee Table Book and also officiated at the CMS 40th anniversary cake-cutting ceremony.
Later, he presented CMS Long Service Awards to their staff. The ceremony was followed by a comedy show performed by Phua Chu Kang.
Present at the dinner were Taib’s wife Toh Puan Ragad Kudi Taib, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinngi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and wife Dato Sri Empaing Jabu, state cabinet ministers and assistant ministers, CMS Group deputy chairman Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, its group executive director Datuk Syed Ahmad Alwee Alsree and group managing director Datuk Richard Curtis.