KUCHING, Dec 24: Sarawakians must remain persistent in the culture of good governance and uphold the highest level of integrity.
In addition, they must be agile and vigilant in facing the emerging external challenges arising from the global and regional competitions and the increasing volatility in the world economy.
In this regard, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud advised all Sarawakians to continue to give their undivided support to the government to ensure that all projects under the rural transformation initiatives, the Pan Borneo Highway project and those in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) are implemented and completed on schedule.
In his Christmas message, Taib said he believed continual efforts to develop the rural areas would open up greater opportunities for the economic prosperity of the rural populace, besides providing more good facilities and amenities for them.
“Generally, the state is looking ahead to the year 2030 not only to attain the status of a developed state with high-income economy but to achieve greater prosperity for the people, who are living in small groups over a wide area throughout the length and breadth of the state,” he said.
Taib said as the state entered into a more challenging phase of development, which entails an economic transformation of the state towards a high-income economy, it was imperative that the people must keep abreast with the major challenges ahead.
“As you know, Sarawak is operating in a world that is highly dynamic and volatile, one that demands the state to continuously broaden economic base, enhance knowledge, upgrade skills, be more efficient, productive and innovative in order to sustain and remain competitive,” he said.
On Christmas, Taib said the festive season was also a time for the people to reflect on the state’s performance as it heralds in the New Year.
“We take great pride that Sarawak has been able to achieve the present level of development, which reflects the resilience and the strength of the people, our social unity and political stability,” he said.
He said Sarawakians, though they comprise about 30 ethnic groups and diverse religious beliefs, and have very colourful backgrounds, had a long tradition of living in peace and harmony with each other.
He hoped Sarawakians would continue to respect each other’s religions, including Christianity with its universal value of peace to the world.
“Therefore, it is not a surprise that we are often being referred to as a model of a friendly and harmonious society.
“The people, regardless of their ethnic origins and or religious beliefs, interact very well among them, beginning from their days in schools to their places of work,” he said. — DayakDaily
