KUCHING: All leaders must have wisdom and courage when addressing challenges and managing the various demands of today’s society.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said leaders need to have these qualities because Sarawak has people of different races and religions and different demands that need to be fulfilled. For that, leaders and those they lead need to be united, work together and seek “cures” when issues arise.
He stressed that leaders also need to be trustworthy, responsible and always keep their promises and policies because the opposite will cause harm to the people.
“Hence the selection of wise and sincere leaders to continue the progress of the country is very important to prevent the country from going backwards,” he said.
This, he stressed, is because leaders play significant roles in the process of developing the country and determine the future of the people.
“Since our independence, Malaysia has achieved economic, social and political stability particularly in Sarawak. Social development is one of the achievements. It has united the people without force or pressure,” he said.
Additionally, he said, good leaders need to have visionary minds, and they should always be viewed by their communities as worthy and reliable persons.
“In the context of Islam and for Muslim leaders in Sarawak, they have a big responsibility because Islam requires them to take care of the welfare and rights of the people regardless of their races, religions or customs. Indeed, in Islam, non-Muslims must also be looked after.
To the people, he reminded them to be proud of their country as it has achieved incredible progress and development made possible by socio-political unity and good inter-people and inter-racial relations.
“There are many areas that we can improve and prepare the people such as increasing the social capital of the Muslims in the face of a more global and competitive era. This is in line with the teaching of Islam which wants the people to strengthen the economy in order to improve their well-being,” he said.
He also pointed out efforts to reduce the rural-urban economic gap and various other disparities.
“Muslims must also strive to become successful entrepreneurs and donate their contributions to less well-to-do Muslims through ‘zakat’ which helps improve the economy while showing the beauty of Islam,” he said.
To him, Hari Raya is a perfect time for Muslims to recall all the blessings and challenges God has given them, and they must be grateful for what they have achieved in life.
“Finally, I want all our societies to realise that unity and cooperation must always remain in our lives and our future children must maintain it. The success and harmony of Sarawak is not just the government’s responsibility. Everybody must contribute,” he said.
In spite of the many challenges facing Malaysians today, he said the celebration can be enjoyed because of mutual respect between the multiracial people who have opted to continue living in peace with one another.
“Even though the Muslims in Sarawak make up a minority ethnic group, their leaders have cooperated with their non-Muslim counterparts to administer the state fairly with great tolerance and respect,” he said.
He noted that in Sarawak, every ethnic and religious festivity has been celebrated with peace and harmony, and this must be preserved.
“In conclusion, my wife and I take this opportunity to wish the people ‘Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri’.”
