PROUD RECORD: Taib viewing photographs on development exhibited in conjunction with the event yesterday. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The people must preserve the state’s stability and unity among them for the benefit of the future generation.
Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud reiterated that what the state had achieved today did not come by accident but through the hard work and sacrifices of the people over the years.
He was speaking at his inaugural public lecture entitled ‘Sarawak beyond Today: Challenges and Opportunities’ here yesterday.
According to him, the state was able to transform since it became part of Malaysia 50 years ago because its people despite their racial differences had been able to work together.
He stressed that over five decades the state had progressed steadily particularly after the government introduced its politics of development policy.
He said through the policy the government had managed to increase the per capita income from RM680 per month to RM40,000 today which was more than 40 times.
“The rise of per capita income of more than 40 times is the fruit of being part of Malaysia,” he said.
He noted sadly many people had taken for granted how Sarawak had progressed through Malaysia.
He explained that development was a continuous process that the government has to work to bring about greater change from time to time.
Taib pointed out that Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) was the best foundation after land development for the state to develop further.
Touching on the massive opening of land for plantation, he said this had changed the lives of many people in the rural areas but might not be suitable for their children who were mostly highly educated.
“Land development may only benefit the landowners but not their children who want to look for highly paid jobs so what we are trying to do is to create the opportunities for them with the opening of SCORE,” he said.