October 24, 2009 13:05 PM

"New Reality" Idea Of Development No Daydream, Says Taib

BINTULU, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- The "new reality" idea introduced a decade ago in Sarawak was not a daydream but a concept of planning which has enabled the state to achieve the progress it now enjoys, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said here on Saturday.

He said that when he introduced the concept, he had seen the potential for Sarawak to be progressive so long as the political power was utilised to unite the people and focus on development.

Addressing a gathering here in conjunction with the 88th birthday of Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, Abdul Taib said he had succeeded in pooling responsible political leaders who were prepared to serve the state and the people.

However, he admitted that of late several opposition political leaders had attempted to confuse the people and accused the state leadership of practising capitalism and ignoring the people.

Abdul Taib said these leaders subscribed to narrow politics incapable of bringing progress to the people.

More than 5,000 people gathered at the Dewan Suarah field here to watch the birthday celebrations, which included a parade of 88 contingents.

There was also a flypast by three aircraft of the Golden Gulf International Flying Academy, an international flying school based here, as well as cultural performances by several community associations in Bintulu.

The celebrations began yesterday with a football tournament at the Bintulu Stadium and prayers at the Assyakirin Mosque.

An investiture ceremony is scheduled at a hotel here later today and a state banquet, Saturday night.

-- BERNAMA

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