Sarawak sets "Sarawak Gemilang 2030" vision

Describing this ambition as "Sarawak Gemilang 2030" (Sarawak Excellence 2030), he said the state, which was far behind in terms of development during the early stages of the establishment of Malaysia, was now able to compete with other states that developed before it.

"We are on track towards achieving Vision 2020 but in Sarawak, we will not stop there because our golden dream is "Sarawak Gemilang 2030"," he said in his speech at the 50th Malaysia Day parade and rally at Padang Merdeka here.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah opened the ceremony. His Majesty was accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah.

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Taib said Sarawak's achievements after 50 years of independence through the formation of Malaysia was the result of close cooperation between the federal government and state government.

"We feel like being more and more part of Malaysia and we want to contribute more," he said.

Taib said the establishment of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) was among the government's approach in order to achieve high-income status, create more job opportunities and improve the living standards of its people.

He said the Samalaju Industrial Park development in Bintulu Samalaju was part of SCORE and to date had attracted investments of over RM24 billion from 15 multinational companies.

"These are among examples of development undertaken to realise Sarawak's hopes to become a high-income state," he said.

He said the strong ties between Sarawak and the Federal Government led by Najib will be further strengthened to ensure that development in the state would be comprehensive to provide maximum benefits to the people.