Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud
KUCHING: The spirit of unity among Sarawakians has contributed to the progress of their state which has registered a 10-fold increase in per capita income from just RM4,000 over 30 years ago.Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said Sarawak would not have advanced as rapidly without the unity shown by every member of the community.
“The per capita income of Sarawak was RM4,000 when I was the chief minister more than 30 years ago and it has been increased to over RM40,000 now.
“Such advancement reflects how we have benefited from sovereignty that gives us the authority to decide on various policies, which do good to our state’s economy besides offering job opportunities for Sarawakians,” he said in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message yesterday.
Taib, who was chief minister between 1981 and 2014, highlighted that the Aidilfitri spirit should be shared among all races and not just the Malay community. He said the Chinese, Ibans, Bidayuhs and Orang Ulu had also played their part in ensuring that the state had a lot more to offer for all.
“They have all equipped themselves with skills and knowledge regardless of where they are from. And therefore we have seen changes in the lifestyle of our people.” He pointed out that the majority of Sarawakians were employed with higher earning, creating a new trend which would motivate more people to go for their dream jobs that suit their qualifications and training.
Towards this end, he advised individuals who had acquired tertiary qualifications to move from their respective longhouses and villages in rural areas to cities and towns and settle there.
He pointed out that urbanisation would continue to take place despite the fact that thousands of people still chose to reside in rural areas.
“Which is why we can see the Malays, Chinese, Ibans, Bidayuhs and Orang Ulu pick the jobs they prefer since they are more than qualified to do so.”
He was pleased to note that they had mingled and upheld racial harmony in spite of their diverse backgrounds.
“As we celebrate Aidilfitri, we can see that the other races also join us in celebrating Aidilfitri. This is all the same during the celebrations of Lunar New Year and Hari Gawai Dayak. It has shaped the unity among Sarawakians.”
While extending his Aidilfitri wishes to all Sarawakians, Taib hoped that non-Muslims throughout the state would have fun during the festive celebration, and that everyone stays united for the continued advancement of Sarawak.