by Anthony Joseph reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 21, 2012, Monday
JOINING THE FESTIVITY: Taib participating in the ‘Largest Orang Ulu Long Dance’ which has gained an entry in the Malaysia Book of Records.
CM warns against weakening nation through political squabbles, urges people to stay focussed
MIRI: Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has cautioned the people never to let politics divide them or else the state and country will be in a state of flux and swaying where the wind blows.
Launching Miri City Day Carnival at Miri Stadium yesterday, the chief minister also pointed out that being open minded in today’s society was insufficient to achieve progress.
He said one also needed to be far-sighted and have a goal in order to move forward in tandem with the times.
“Don’t ever let politics divide you because if you do the country will be swayed left and right. You must focus on what you really want. We have been very lucky so far.”
On Miri, he noted that its population had increased from barely 100,000 to 300,000 over the past three decades.
“Social interaction and good planning have brought the people together to transform Miri into a city which is able to attract people to visit or to earn a living.
“In fact, Miri has become an identity of sorts for the northern region of Sarawak.”
However, Taib stressed the need to be cautious at all times because with development and progress comes complex problems which needed to be addressed from time to time.
“You have reached critical mass and focus in making Miri a vibrant city. “Your task now is to figure out how you can garner and mobilise the whole population of Miri to become one big society which supports, knows each other, and pursue the same aims.”
Taib added that the task ahead was not an easy one, but no one would be able to continue this struggle to make Miri greater except for Mirians themselves.
“It is important that Miri celebrates its status as a resort city by greater social interaction. The seventh anniversary which is manifested and celebrated through a festival is the proper way to encourage people to come together and build a common identity.
“You must also realise the importance of getting the people to feel that they are people of Miri. Without this feeling, you will find that the city will be dull with people living in every little corner here and there …probably the Chinese doesn’t mix with the Malays, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu very much.”
Conceding that it was difficult to put together a booming town, Taib took his hat off to Miri City Council for successfully emphasising social interaction through the event and being aware of their responsibilities and need to unite the people.
Taib also spoke of the need to increase the pool of grassroots leaders.
“When you develop very fast you may not have enough time to groom enough leaders who can lead and organise our society
to undertake social interactions. We need these grassroots leaders.”
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