LET THE DINNER BEGIN: Taib (centre) and Ragad (fourth right) with (from left) Asfia, Adenan, Abang Johari, Jabu, Jumaani, Dr Hazland and Dr Rahman cutting ‘pulut kuning’. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The Chinese community is split due to leadership change and their constant craving for change, said Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Speaking at the PBB Kuching Zone dinner here on Saturday, the Chief Minister said several issues could have undermined Chinese unity, but leadership change was the catalyst for the divisions to form.
“Hence, in PBB, we must understand the pertinence of a change of leadership. If a change of leadership happened, we must see to it that it will take place without putting unity at stake,” he told those present at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
Taib, who is also PBB president, said party leaders must resolve issues not only to preserve party and community unity, but also to enable the state to continue to prosper.
Party leaders must also help ensure every part of the state is developed, and the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative benefits everyone.
“SCORE will continue to spur the development of Sarawak. By 2030, we will be able to drive from Limbang to Kuching along a coastal line in shorter time. There will also be a railway system between Samalaju and Tanjung Manis.”
Meanwhile, PBB deputy president II Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, who was also present, expressed confidence that PBB would continue to lead the state’s development.
“We, all in Kuching, hail Pehin Sri (Taib) to continue leading us way into 2030. Stability and unity must not be jeopardised if we wanted to see on-going development.
“The community in Kuching, especially the Malays, should play a role in the development of the city in the years to come.”
Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Housing and Minister of Tourism, advised party members to ponder the future of Sarawak given that it had already been independent through Malaysia for 50 years.
“We should look at what should happen in the next 50 years while our chief minister has envisioned Sarawak to be the richest state in Malaysia come 2030.”
Organising chairman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the dinner was held in connection with Merdeka Day and to mark the state’s achievements under Taib.
“I personally feel honoured to be trusted to take care of Demak Laut, which was formerly known as Sebandi, a seat held by Pehin Sri,” said Dr Hazland who is also Demak Laut assemblyman.
He added that Demak Laut had an industrial zone that was planned and implemented by Taib years ago to enhance the standard of living of the local communities.
Among those present were Taib’s wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, PBB deputy president I Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, information chief Tan Sri Adenan Satem, permanent chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia
Awang Nassar, Supreme Council member Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Abang Johari’s wife Datin Amar Jumaani Tuanku Bujang.