Taib says no need to speed up leadership change

Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said today the people of Sarawak were able to enjoy peace, political stability and organised development because leadership change in the state was not done in haste. 

He said that since Sarawak joined Malaysia 49 years ago, the state had had five yang dipertuas negeri and four chief ministers, and there had been continuity in the planning and implementation of development.

"Leadership change is not done in haste so as to allow for maintenance of peace and stability in line with the people's needs," he said in his speech at the parade in conjunction with the 91st birthday celebration of Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng at the Miri Stadium.

Taib said that following the people's mandate of a two-third majority at the state elections last year, the Sarawak BN government had continued to implement its electoral promises.

One of the promises was to increase investment in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score), he said, adding that more than 7,000 hectares of land had been made available to establish mini industrial estates in the corridor.

Baram dam spurs development

He also said that development would be carried out in Baram, the site for the upcoming hydro-electric project. 

"Change has taken place, but in an organised manner with promises that can be implemented," he said, adding that the change brought about by the state government was backed by facts and not empty promises. 

Taib, who is also president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak, said PBB was taking in academically highly qualified young people in preparation for leadership in the future. 

He also said that the yang dipertuas negeri and chief ministers of the future would not face major problems because the process of leadership change would be carried out in an organised manner.

More than 10,000 people were present at the stadium and there were 91 contingents at the parade, matching the age of Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin.

- Bernama