KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud lauded the good administration of the state whose economic growth rate is expected to remain strong and grow around 3.5 to 4.0 per cent in 2017, in line with Malaysia’s economic growth, while inflation rate is at a low level, that is below 3.0 per cent.
He said the continuity transition of power shows the maturity and political stability in Sarawak and that political stability is the cornerstone of the administration and development of the state.
“We are grateful the State Government leadership transition process went smoothly, peacefully and perfectly.
“I believe this is a manifestation of the BN leadership that has always put the interests of the people for sustainable development in the country,” he said.
In his address at the official opening of the First sitting of the Secord Term of the 18th DUN Sarawak in Petra Jaya here yesterday Taib also said the appointment of Datuk Amar Abang Johari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg as Sarawak’s 6th Chief Minister reflected the maturity of the political leadership of the State in ensuring continuous political stability in the state.
His appointment is in line with his vast experience in politics and the administration of the State, Taib said, adding that the State Government and Federal Government have very good relationship.
“I am happy because the YAB Chief Minister also has good relationship with the leadership at the federal government level,” the head of the state said.
According to him this will make it easier for the State Government to work more closely together and receive support the federal government in the planning and the implementation of the state development agenda.
“I am confident this good relationship will give more room to him to continue to fight for the rights and interests of Sarawak at the federal level. I believe under his leadership the future of Sarawak will continue to grow and prosper, ” Taib said.
According to him the State Government is always concerned and put the interest of the rakyat first in every development plan that is being implemented and development plan such as Socio-Economic Transformation Plan (SETP), Sarawak Corridor of Renewal Energy (SCORE) and Digital Economy Plan are people centric .
It is rooted in the objective of improving the socio-economic status of the people through providing access to basic needs as well as opening more business and job opportunities, he said.
As we are into the second year of the implementation of the 11th Malaysia Plan, Taib urged that all government agencies to ensure that projects that had been approved could be completed for the people to enjoy.
“In time of global economic uncertainties, we must take strategic steps to spur Sarawak’s economic growth,” he stressed, adding that he was thankful that the state economy still continued to grow with low inflation rate in the past year.
He said the State Government Transformation Programme has a long term plan up to 2030 and followed by a comprehensive Strategic Action Plan to ensure Sarawak’s economy is on the right track.
He was confident with the setting of the three cabinet committee namely Socio-Economic Transformation, Rural Transformation and Performance and Service Delivery Transformation would ensure all the initiatives in the State Government Transformation Programme would be implemented with success.
