Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, who has been in power for nearly three decades, said Sarawak has been developing steadily and rapidly over the years and is poised for greater success.

NONE He said those born prior to 1963, the year Malaysia was formed, could attest to the progress achieved by the state so far.

In his message in the souvenir book in conjunction with the Sarawak-level Malaysia Day celebration on Thursday, he called on the people to unite in developing the state and the country.

Taib also said that the celebration was meaningful and significant to the people in the state as it was on that day 47 years ago that Sarawak, Sabah, Malaya and Singapore joined together to form Malaysia.

Malaysia and Singapore, however, went separate ways in 1965.

Strong and efficient government

He also called for commitment among the people to achieve the sincere wish of the country's leaders to make Malaysia a developed nation by the year 2020.

He said only by having a strong, visionary, efficient and effective government could the prosperity of the state and country be assured.

"Our struggle is for the welfare and aspirations of the people," he said, adding that the next phase of development in Sarawak would be for all races.

- Bernama