The Head of State in a light moment with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem (left) and State Legislative Assembly (DUN) speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar (right) after their official group photo was taken at the lobby of the DUN Complex yesterday. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The state government is urged to fulfil the promises made during the May 7 state election.
Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the promises by the state Barisan Nasional (BN) during the election had raised the people’s hope for a better future.
Taib stressed that the people had given a strong mandate to BN in the election to build a strong and stable government that can initiate and implement various policies for the development of the state and look after the welfare of the people.
“The Barisan Nasional manifesto, which is comprehensive, touches on various aspects, including socio-economic development, environmental conservation as well as protecting the rights of the Sarawak people in Malaysia, thus I have high confidence that the government would carry out its responsibility with dedication and wholeheartedly for the people and the development of the state,” he said when opening the first session of the 18th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday.
He stressed that the people needed the government’s support to overcome various issues and challenges in their daily life.
In the May 7 state election, BN achieved an outstanding victory, winning 72 of the 82 seats at stake. The DAP won seven seats and PKR, three.
“The landslide victory is proof that the people still strongly believe and have confidence in the state BN under the leadership of Adenan to lead and develop the state,” he asserted, referring to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
Taib was glad to note that the state’s economy continued to grow despite the uncertainties in the global economy, with the rate of growth expected to be four per cent this year.
With strong economic fundamentals backed by encouraging investment activities, the state’s economy would continue to grow, he said.
According to him, Sarawak was among the attractive investment destinations for local and foreign investors, adding that rural transformation, which was one of the main thrusts under the 11th Malaysia Plan, would change the development landscape in the rural areas.
He advised all government agencies to work harder to ensure that all programmes and projects approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan are implemented smoothly, and reminded the people to continue helping the government to realise the state’s development agenda.
Taib also stressed that the close relationship between the state and federal governments was crucial to ensuring that Sarawak continue to develop.
He pointed out that the state still needed special attention from the federal government, especially in terms of providing infrastructure for the people like roads, water and electricity supply, health facilities and education.
“I am confident the existing close relationship and cooperation will facilitate efforts by both parties to discuss and work on the development needs in the state,” he said.
The Head of State also said he was thankful the people continued to live harmoniously, despite their different religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds.
He believed that the people would reject all forms of extremism that could jeopardise the unity and harmony in the state which is its pillar of strength.