MUKAH: Sarawak will continue to attract foreign investors from around the globe if the people remain solidly behind the present government, and work persistently to improve their living standard.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said Sarawakians were fortunate in that the state had big potential to be developed further, which thus would create employment opportunities for the people to allow them to live a more comfortable life despite the global economic turmoil.

“The financial crisis that is affecting the United States of America has affected us to some extent. It has caused economic slowdown in many countries, including Malaysia, which has to compete vigorously in order to get financial sources for its development agendas,” he said at the Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri at the civic centre here, yesterday.

Deputy chief ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Alfred Jabu, Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Second Minister of Resource Planning and Management Dato Sri Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Mukah member of parliament Dato Sri Mohammad Leo Michael Toyad, Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman Jahwie and Tamin assemblyman Joseph Mauh Ikeh were among those who attended the function.

Taib said that Sarawak must prove its credibility as a stable and harmonious state that is capable of giving huge returns on investment if it wanted to continue attracting foreign investors.

However, the whim would just remain a dream if Sarawak was in chaotic situation with political instability and bickering among the people was the norm.

“Undoubtedly, if such things (the situation) happen it will not only scare away the investors, but it will also delay the government’s efforts to implement development agendas that have been planned for the people. We are grateful that in 45 years of our independence, Sarawak has shown profound progress to such as extent that we have become an example to other states in the country.

“Stability is the pillar of our success and I want the people to keep their focus on development, and not be sidelined by the opposition,” he said.

On Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), he said it was one of the government’s efforts to create more employment opportunities for the people and also improve their economic standard.

Among its implementation strategies, he said, was by ensuring the new generations were equipped with skills and knowledge by adding extra values to their skills.

“Through SCORE, we will be able to create 1.5 million employment opportunities comprising about 69,000 professionals, 337,000 semi skilled, 143,000 technicians and 946,000 other workers,” he said.