KUCHING: All the services, struggles and sacrifices of the former Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will always be remembered by every leader and people of Sarawak in driving the progress of this state to a higher level.

The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that through the philosophy of Politics of Development emphasised by Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib, racial harmony and unity became the backbone of Sarawak's development.

In fact, according to him, the former Head of State always encouraged close cooperation between the various races in Sarawak by introducing the concept of 'Confluence of Rivers', which is unity in the diversity of identities towards forming the unity of Sarawakians.

"For the sake of strengthening harmony and sovereignty, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib always ensured that the rights of Sarawak were preserved to protect the economic, political and social interests of the people of Sarawak.

"Therefore, let us together continue his efforts to safeguard the sovereignty, unity and harmony that has been fostered all this time," he said.

He said this when tabling a Motion of Appreciation for the former Governor of Sarawak during the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Wednesday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib placed great emphasis on the socioeconomic development of the people of Sarawak by bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas.

"The late Tun established various development agencies to implement this initiative so that it can improve the socioeconomic status and fully benefit the rural community.

"With the existence of political harmony and stability, this allows the late administration to focus on attracting foreign investment to create job opportunities for the population and further generate Sarawak's economy," he said. -UKASnews