Election is near, go to the ground: Sarawak CM

Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud wants all state leaders to continue with the BN government's tradition of being always on the ground and close to the people.

"When they do so, they can motivate the people to be more positive in their outlook. They can also make them realise that what they enjoy is what they have worked for on the ground.

"Nothing can happen unless the people themselves want it to happen," he said when launching the two-day Rajang Regatta 2010 at the confluence of the Rajang and Gan rivers at the town square phase two esplanade, here, today.

The regatta, which makes a comeback after an absence of 14 years, features paddling events today and power boat events including the high speed F.3000 races tomorrow.

The paddling events are re-introducing the shorter 'Kenyalang' boat made of composite fibre and featuring the hornbill mastheads, instead of the traditional, long native boats.

Meanwhile, the imported power boat events are attracting many racers from Kuching as well as neighbouring Brunei.

Engage the people

Taib said leaders too should be able to engage the people in enjoying the progress and prosperity instead of being mere spectators.

He also reminded them that "there should be more agreements to do more things for the people rather than more disagreements where they will end up quarreling among themselves".

"There is nothing to gain by being divided," he said.

"We should learn from our own experiences since 20 to 30 years ago where the great partnership between our people of different races, religions and backgrounds had yielded much better results for the country," he said.

Taib has been Sarawak chief minister for almost three decades and is expected to call state polls later this year.

- Bernama