Taib wants smooth transition of power upon retirement

0

SERIAN: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday revealed that he would step down soon to pave way for a new blood to take over the reins of power in the state.

He added that the transition of power must be carried out smoothly to ensure that there was continuity in the government’s policy and the current momentum of development.

However, Taib did not disclose the time frame for the change of leadership to take place except to say that it would happen “when the time comes”.

“The possibility of me getting retired is very soon. I will lead this election but only to make sure that everything will be smooth. I will lead this election so that new blood will come up. There will be change but those who will take over must be well trained.

“But after that, when I see that all the people that I have groomed can form a team and can work for this country, people from all the various races, Chinese, Malays, Indians, Bidayuhs, Orang Ulus and the other races and their representatives must be part of our team.

“It must be a comprehensive and inclusive team to ensure that there will be no one left behind in terms of development,” Taib said at the ‘Sejiwa Senada’ programme at Serian Town yesterday.

The chief minister reiterated that he would retire soon as he was getting old unlike the prime minister and the deputy prime minister who were still young.

“One day I will definitely go. I’m already old. Najib is still handsome and deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is still looking good with his moustache,” he said in jest.

Taib, who is also state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said he and his deputy Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu would hand over the leadership to a new batch of leaders whom he had groomed over the years.

“I groomed so many people in my life; today only two old guards remain in PBB namely my deputy Datuk Patinggi Alfred Jabu and I. We never get bored in serving the people. We know that when the time comes, whoever takes over will continue the legacy so that people will continue to have better livelihood,” he reiterated.

Taib also said he wanted to see his ambition to serve the people would continue to benefit them as long as possible.

“This is our aim. It is the aim of the BN. It is not the aim of Datuk Taib, it is not the aim of the prime minster and it is also not the aim of the chief minister.

“It is our dedication in BN. It is our philosophy and commitment to the people of Malaysia. That is very important for us,” he said, adding that he had made it his top priority for the good of the rakyat.

Taib also advised the people to take the impending state election very seriously to ensure that the prevailing unity would be preserved.

During the press conference, Taib revealed that he had wanted to retire in 2006 but was persuaded to stay back. When asked whether there was any possibility that he would hand over the leadership during mid-term, he said that would depend very much on whether those whom he groomed were ready.

Meanwhile, the chief minster revealed that under the National Key Result Area (NKRA), Sarawak has been allocated some RM5.7 billion for it to carry out various infrastructure projects and provide amenities such as roads, electricity and water supply.

He said by end of next year, 700 km of roads will be completed; some 12,000 people will benefit from the rural electrification scheme (RES) and some 4,000 people will benefit from treated water supply. Furthermore, 2,866 households and 5,238 hardcore poor will benefit from the 1Azam programme, he said.

“By end of 2012, RES will increase from the current 66 per cent to 95 per cent and treated water from 57 per cent to 90 per cent,” he added.