Taib to Baram folk: Look at the big picture

Taib to Baram folk: Look at the big picture

by Johnson K Saai, reporters@theborneopost.com. 

Posted on May 31, 2012, Thursday

KUCHING: People affected by the proposed Baram hydroelectric dam should look at the project with a broad viewpoint instead of being too preoccupied with resettlement issues alone.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who gave this advice yesterday, said the mammoth project would definitely open up vast opportunities for those living around the areas, but the final decision rest with the people as to what they want the government to do for them.

“It is up to the people to decide. If they want to think of resettlement, of course we will consider because it is our commitment to do so, but if they want to think a bit more…try to think of the overall planning in the area which the federal and state governments are always prepared to assist.

“In developing the dam it is not only about the hydro but all the potential of palm oil and tree plantations. Maybe it will be good for them to think of having an integrated town which will, because of its size, be able to attract industries, for example for pulp and paper,” he said.

The chief minister said this to reporters after witnessing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Tokuyama Corporation here.

Sarawak to achieve per capita income of US$15,000 by 2015 — Taib

Sarawak to achieve per capita income of US$15,000 by 2015 — Taib
Posted on May 29, 2012, Tuesday

BINTULU: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is confident that Sarawak will be able to achieve a per capita income of US$15,000 by 2015.

He said the projects in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) particularly in Samalaju in Bintulu would provide vast growth opportunities and boost the state’s income to a new high after 2020.

Thus it was important that other components of SCORE such as the Halal Hub take off and be developed as planned, he said.

CM to Chong: Succession plan a BN internal affair

CM to Chong: Succession plan a BN internal affair
by Johnson K Saai, reporters@theborneopost.com.

Posted on May 24, 2012, Thursday

KUCHING: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said he planned to keep his succession plan a secret until the time is right.

He said he would not go to town with it also because it was a “private affair” that concerns only the Barisan Nasional (BN).

“I am not going to tell you that (succession plan) because it is our private affair. But when the time comes I will announce and you will see that it will be even better than the DAP succession plan in Kuching.”

Chief Minister rebukes Metro Ahad for negative report

Chief Minister rebukes Metro Ahad for negative report
Posted on May 17, 2012, Thursday

KUCHING: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has rebuked Metro Ahad for its report which alleged that certain Penan group in upper Baram was practising incest.

He said such negative reporting was uncalled for especially when the government has been trying so hard to promote good racial relations in the country.

“For the sake of preserving our good relations, I think the best thing is not to make any remark about any race in the country unless it is necessary and for special purpose. People use to talk bad thing about other group in the country but yet there is no purpose for it.

“If you have something good to say then say it. But if you don’t have anything good to say just keep quiet,” Taib told the media after launching two books entitled ‘The Lanjak Entimau Story: Changing Landscape in Biodiversity Conservation’ and ‘Birds of Bario and The Kelabit Highlands’ at the State Legislative Assembly complex here yesterday.

The national Malay tabloid had on its May 13 issue, published a front page article about a certain Penan group in upper Baram under the heading ‘Ibuku Isteriku, bapaku suamiku’ (My mother my wife, my father my husband).

Taib hails minimum wage as precursor to better life

Taib hails minimum wage as precursor to better life

by Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith, reporters@theborneopost.com. 

Posted on May 3, 2012, Thursday

KUCHING: The introduction of the RM800 minimum wage in the private sector here will certainly raise the income of employees and improve their standard of living, opined Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

He also believes with the enforcement of the minimum wage ruling, the country will be able to have a pay structure similar to those in developed nations.

This in turn, he said, would bring the country closer to achieving its Vision 2020 to be a high income society, he said when officiating at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth Armada ‘Humanitarian Mission’ here on Tuesday.

Reap opportunities offered by SCORE, Taib tells advocates’ association

Reap opportunities offered by SCORE, Taib tells advocates’ association

Posted on May 3, 2012, Thursday

KUCHING: The Advocates Association of Sarawak (AAS) is urged to look into the vast business potential offered by new industries in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said, for one, lawyers could play their part in the booming business opportunities by writing agreements, letters of intent and memorandums of understanding.

“To date, we have managed to attract more than RM30 billion worth of investments and are able to assume a new role, which is to play intermediary between the great mineral producers of South Africa and Australia and the great consumer of China,” he said.