He said through the formation of Malaysia, the multitude of ethnic groups in Sarawak had adapted themselves well to becoming citizens of the country.
“This is not easily achievable but after 50 years, we are very convinced that all ethnic groups in Sarawak are truly united.
“And they also regard themselves as Bumiputera, who are on par with the Malays in the peninsula,” he said in a recent interview with Prof Dr Syed Arabi Idid, a former Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia. He is now Professor of Communications at the same university.
The Yang Dipertua Negeri also said the ethnic groups of Sarawak who resided upstream had been able to embrace a more modern way of life.
“They regard themselves as citizens of Malaysia who have ample access to job and educational opportunities besides being able to travel to places outside Sarawak such as the peninsula and Sabah as ordinary citizens,” said Taib, who was Chief Minister of Sarawak for 33 years, before being appointed to the present post about three years ago.
“This shows the wisdom of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia’s first prime minister), who united us in a new nation which has profited all quarters whether in Sarawak, Sabah or Semenanjung (Peninsular Malaysia).
“These days, people who used to live in longhouses in the past, are working in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, in fact, anywhere where there are job opportunities, by using their expertise,” he added.
He regarded this as the most important achievement of national integration.