MIRI: A sudden change in government will result in political destabilisation and a climate of uncertainty that may jeopardise investments.

Speaking during Head of State Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng’s 91st birthday celebration here, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the ideal method of leadership change was through a gradual process that was orderly and quiet; not chaotic and drastic.

“Our historical development has shown that we do not change leaders all the time like what is happening in some countries. That is why we continue to have a good track record of investments coming in all the time.

“Everytime there is an election, the government of the day will introduce new policies and new manifestos to continue the progress that had been achieved by current government leaders,” he said at the Miri Stadium yesterday.

“We are progressing all the time, but in a structured and controlled manner. In every election, we convince the rakyat that we are serious in wanting to bring continued progress to the nation.

Happy birthday, TYT: Salahuddin and his wife Toh Puan Norkiah cutting a cake witnessed by thousands during the celebration in Miri.

“There are steady and constant changes being achieved and the rakyat trust the government to lead them.

“Sarawak, by being in Malaysia, has undergone a lot of progress. The change of leadership is not sudden and drastic. The changes are controlled and gradual and structured.

“That is the best approach in leadership transformation to maintain stability in the political arena and continued confidence in the economy.

“We in Sarawak have been under five TYTs who have provided crucial leadership that has enabled us to live in peace and unity and enjoy progress. These are our strengths,” he said.

Touching on current political developments, Taib said that during every election, there would be efforts by some people to create division and problems.

Nonetheless, he was confident that the majority of the rakyat would not be lured by these radical politics.

“During the state election last year, Sarawak Barisan Nasional still got more than two-third majority votes. The people in Sarawak were not swayed by cheating politics,” he said.

Taib said PBB was bringing in new young leaders who were highly qualified and who could lead in the near future.

• Travel Picks: Top 10 golf resorts around the world
• Chinese premier criticizes EU move on trade measures
• Justice Department opposes AMR's $20 million severance for CEO Horton
• News Corp to take charge of up to $1.4 billion this quarter
• Wall Street Week Ahead: Investors look for signs in the rally's break
• Unhappy with how your fave series is faring? Amazon gives you a say
• Visa, Mastercard ask U.S. court to declare card fees are lawful
• Wall Street posts first weekly loss since mid-April on Fed angst
• IMF's Lagarde escapes formal investigation in court
• Politics of development pays dividend
• A thematic play seen
• Sarawak counters hogging the limelight
• Getting GST acceptance will be tough
• A yen for the unloved dollar standard
• Bitten by the music bug

• After Kabul attacks, 10,000 peace balloons
• Report: Google eyes emerging markets networks
• IMF chief avoids charges in French payout scandal
• Seven months after Sandy, New York beaches re-open

• Arat: Istanbul bid to host the 2020 Olympic is about building bridges
• Golf: Two share lead at inaugural rain-hit Pure Silk LPGA
• Golf: Kuchar leads weather-hit Colonial
• Squash: Matthew offers a message with a warning
• Golf: Molinari leads but Ryder Cup colleagues crash out
• Tennis: Djokovic blocks Nadal path to Paris super eight
• MSSM meet: 15 records in five days augur well for M’sian athletics
• Indonesian Rexy's advise to M'sian team: Stick together as a family
• Yongbo: Beat us if you can, not good for China to win all the time
• Thai Ratchanok wins many hearts with her gritty display
• Squash:M'sian Nicol beats New Zealander in straight sets to reach last four
• Basketball: Warriors have no problem taming Dragons in Jakarta
• National hockey juniors fare badly in tourney
• MHC: No way we will scrap age-group tournaments
• Selangor Hockey Association to hold two-day trials

• Please wait.

• Living through your midlife
• Malaysia a favourite of Muslim travellers
• Who has the better chance of bagging that high-salary post?
• Painting of merry old couple covered up to prevent accident at Chew Jetty
• Sarawak counters hogging the limelight
• Klang Valley a haven for UOA Dev
• More can be done to promote private retirement scheme
• Politics of development pays dividend
• Ex-steward gets to set aside default judgment
• Robber shot dead after picking on wrong ‘victim’