Page 7 - DevelopmentSynergy
P. 7
A s a young man, YAB Pehin Sri Hj Abdul Taib Mahmud had the opportunity
to leave his undeveloped hometown in Sarawak to pursue further studies
in a city of a progressive country. He did extremely well and garnered
honours and recognition in his chosen ield of study. He met, fell in love
and married the woman of his dreams. He proved himself an asset to any company
that employed him and would certainly have had no problem carving a successful life
if he had decided to settle down in this country with his beloved wife.
But he chose to come back to Sarawak, which lacked the many creature comforts
that a progressive and prosperous country would be able to provide its citizens. He
came back, with his devoted wife by his side, nurturing the dream and vision that his
beloved State of Sarawak can, and will become as progressive and as prosperous as
any developed country in the world. He started his career in public service armed
with the unlinching conviction that the people of Sarawak have what it takes to rise
above poverty and eventually, make its mark in the world.
When Malaysia was formed in 1963, he was appointed as the Federal Minister
of Communications and Works. On August 31, he proclaimed in a state broadcast
that “a nation can only enjoy its independence if it has economic stability and a fair
share of prosperity for at least a majority of the people.” He
stressed, however, that “the Government could only lead. The
real advancement of Sarawak rests in the hands of its people.”
Never wavering in his faith in what the people of Sarawak can
achieve, he rallied them to unite and work hard together with him in
implementing his “politics of development” when he became the Chief
Minister of Sarawak in 1981.
The journey of Sarawak’s transformation started with one man’s unwavering
faith in the people and his understanding of what they deserve and desire and with
the unceasing support of his political partners and the capable and dedicated civil
servants. Sarawak was transformed from being the most impoverished to an economic
powerhouse and politically stable State within the Malaysian federation. There have
been struggles along the way, and no doubt that there are still dificult challenges
still to hurdle. But what Sarawak was able to transform into from the early years of
independence to the present is, indeed, a testimony that whatever they have set out to
do, the people of Sarawak can and will be able to achieve, with the help and guidance
from their committed and dedicated political leaders and civil servants.
To lead, guide, teach and serve the people, he had his committed political allies as
well as dedicated civil servants to work with him. The political leaders who represent
and ably articulate the people’s wishes, dreams and aspirations worked in sync with
the Sarawak Civil Service to help realize the people’s potentials and provide them the
opportunities to transform their lives.
DEVELOPMENT SYNERGY 5
to leave his undeveloped hometown in Sarawak to pursue further studies
in a city of a progressive country. He did extremely well and garnered
honours and recognition in his chosen ield of study. He met, fell in love
and married the woman of his dreams. He proved himself an asset to any company
that employed him and would certainly have had no problem carving a successful life
if he had decided to settle down in this country with his beloved wife.
But he chose to come back to Sarawak, which lacked the many creature comforts
that a progressive and prosperous country would be able to provide its citizens. He
came back, with his devoted wife by his side, nurturing the dream and vision that his
beloved State of Sarawak can, and will become as progressive and as prosperous as
any developed country in the world. He started his career in public service armed
with the unlinching conviction that the people of Sarawak have what it takes to rise
above poverty and eventually, make its mark in the world.
When Malaysia was formed in 1963, he was appointed as the Federal Minister
of Communications and Works. On August 31, he proclaimed in a state broadcast
that “a nation can only enjoy its independence if it has economic stability and a fair
share of prosperity for at least a majority of the people.” He
stressed, however, that “the Government could only lead. The
real advancement of Sarawak rests in the hands of its people.”
Never wavering in his faith in what the people of Sarawak can
achieve, he rallied them to unite and work hard together with him in
implementing his “politics of development” when he became the Chief
Minister of Sarawak in 1981.
The journey of Sarawak’s transformation started with one man’s unwavering
faith in the people and his understanding of what they deserve and desire and with
the unceasing support of his political partners and the capable and dedicated civil
servants. Sarawak was transformed from being the most impoverished to an economic
powerhouse and politically stable State within the Malaysian federation. There have
been struggles along the way, and no doubt that there are still dificult challenges
still to hurdle. But what Sarawak was able to transform into from the early years of
independence to the present is, indeed, a testimony that whatever they have set out to
do, the people of Sarawak can and will be able to achieve, with the help and guidance
from their committed and dedicated political leaders and civil servants.
To lead, guide, teach and serve the people, he had his committed political allies as
well as dedicated civil servants to work with him. The political leaders who represent
and ably articulate the people’s wishes, dreams and aspirations worked in sync with
the Sarawak Civil Service to help realize the people’s potentials and provide them the
opportunities to transform their lives.
DEVELOPMENT SYNERGY 5
