Rural areas will prosper under BN — TYT

Dr Adi (fourth left) explains some details of the modern design and facilities at the new mosque to Taib as Yakup (left), Daud (right) and others look on.

BINTULU: The Barisan Nasional (BN) government will continue to give more emphasis to development in the rural areas, said Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

He said as a government, BN plays a significant role in helping the people by developing the rural areas.

“When the areas are developed, it would open up more job opportunities for the rakyat. This is how we develop the state to achieve success.

“When I first became the chief minister, the people’s per capita income was RM4,000 a year but now the rakyat have more than RM100,000 a year,” he said when officiating at the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the proposed new Tatau mosque in Tatau yesterday.

“The people have seen the government’s effort to stimulate growth and this would not only benefit a single community but all people in the particular areas as well, it is important to change the way people think,” he added.

On the new mosque project, he said it was not only an example of the government helping the people but it was also a good sign of cooperation between the Muslims and the non-Muslim community.

“I am happy to see this project receive a good response from all races, and it shows the people’s involvement.

“I don’t think Tatau is isolated from development because Tatau is also given attention by the government and all areas will be treated fairly,” he said.

He noted that Tatau had a big planted forest plantation project which would be vital in supporting the manufacturing of wood-based products and improve the livelihood of the locals.

“We want to continue working to develop the rakyat, the first step is to increase the popularity of the town so that outsiders will be attracted to come in,” he added.

At the same time, Taib welcomed contributions from the non-Muslim community for the construction of the new mosque in Tatau as a sign of unity.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Islamic Council secretary Ismail Mohd Hanis said the new mosque is designed with a modern and contemporary concept and is a dream of the local people.

He said the new mosque which is expected to be completed in 2018 is to replace the old Masjid Darul Ibadah which was built in 1975.

Once completed, he said the new mosque will be able to cater for the needs of the local Muslim and non-Muslim community in Tatau.

“The Sarawak Islamic Council will facilitate the construction of the mosque to ensure the project runs smoothly,” he added.

Also present were former assistant minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, the mosque construction committee chairman Datu Dr Adi Badiozaman Tuah, Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari, Bintulu Development Authority general manager Rodziah Morshidi, BN candidate for Kakus Datuk John Sikie Tayai and BN candidate for Jepak Datuk Talib Zulpilip.

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