‘Time to rid Sarawak of Taib’

Only Sarawakians can stop brain-drain and create opportunities to enable their own to return to the state. 

KUCHING: The only way Sarawakians can see prosperity in Sarawak is if the state is rid of the “one family” which controls its entire resources, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said last night.

Reminding Sarawakians that the time had come to “return Sarawak and its natural resources to Sarawakians”, Lim said: “If Penang can do well without any natural resources, just relying only on its human talents and human resources, just imagine the potentials and the possibilities for Sarawak which has abundant natural resources and rich human talents.”

Lim was speaking at a 3,000-strong gathering at BDC Stamping, near here. Although Lim did not name the family, it was obvious that he was referring to Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud’s clan.

Taib-linked companies such as Cahaya Mata Sarawak (CMS), Titanium and their respective subsidiaries control the state resources, government tenders and more.

Lim said that it was imperative that Sarawakians return home but this can only be done if Sarawak has a “clean and efficient government”.

“If we want Sarawak to prosper, we cannot allow our best and brightest people to leave Sarawak. There must be opportunities for Sarawakians.

“It is time for all of you to stand up for your rights and for your children and the future.

“Only then you can see Sarawak flying like its famous ‘burung kenyalang’ (hornbills).

“Then I can guarantee you, Sarawak will not depend on the federal government for financial support. Instead the federal government will depend on you,” said Lim.

Lim, who is DAP secretary general, expressed the hope that in the coming general election Sarawakians and Sabahans will bring tsunami of change to Malaysia.

“The eye of Malaysia is on you. You hold the key of change to open the door to a brighter future for Malaysia and for Sarawak,” he said.