Taib: No need to question Sarawak’s position in Malaysia

KUCHING, Nov 27: Sarawak’s position in the federation of Malaysia is a stale, old issue that is needless to be questioned anymore, says Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

He said most of the conditions set during the process of forming Malaysia 50 years ago had been met and proven by the development achieved by the state all this while.

“The level of development achieved by the state should be the yardstick for the people in judging the decision of Sarawak joining Malaysia,” he said in winding up the debate on the state budget at the state assembly sitting, here, today.

“I think the question of whether we can stand alone as a country or not should not arise anymore.”

Taib said for half a century now, Sarawak had enjoyed freedom in the federation of Malaysia through autonomy in culture, politics and economy.

He admitted that the development and progress achieved had brought about new challenges, especially in maintaining multiracial unity in the state.

He said, for instance, development in information technology was not only a catalyst for development in other areas but the facility was also used by certain quarters not in tune with the government to promote their political agenda.

“The incitement of hatred can be a nasty by-product of modern technology today,” he added.

source: BERNAMA