His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to send a message of congratulations to Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Dr Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sarawak on his recent re-appointment as Chief Minister of Sarawak.

In the message, His Majesty expressed his confidence that Pehin Taib's re-appointment reflected his success in his administration of the government of Sarawak over the last 30 years.

His Majesty hoped that under the leadership of Pehin Taib, Sarawak would continue to achieve further progress with continuous stability and prosperity.

His Majesty also expressed his hope that the close relations and cooperation that had long been established between Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak would continue to be preserved and enhanced further in time to come.

In concluding the message, His Majesty prayed to Allah the Almighty that Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri, Puan Sri and his family would continue to enjoy good health and prosperity under His protection.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hinted that Barisan Nasional's (BN) victory in the Sarawak election may pave the way for the 13th General Election.

"As a government that relies on the support of the people, in line with the 1Malaysia concept of People First, Performance Now, I believe the win in Sarawak could serve as an impetus for the 13th General Election," he told Bernama at the Putra World Trade Centre during a video conference session with Sarawak Chief Minister.

In the 10th Sarawak state election, BN secured a two-thirds majority, winning 55 of the 71 seats, to retain the state.

Najib said although BN is excited over the win, he had to look at several factors before deciding whether the 13th General Election should be held in the near future.

Pehin Abdul Taib Mahmud said he would use the opportunity available until the mid-term before he retires to form a new leadership lineup that is strong so that investors will continue to have confidence in Sarawak.

Thanking the people of Sarawak for continuing to support the Barisan Nasional (BN), he said the party's victory in the election proved that the people were not influenced by the negative political culture that the opposition pact tried to bring from outside.

He said the people of Sarawak could not accept the political style that attempted to create suspicion, fear and incite racial sentiments between the various races.

"I will come up with a white paper so that this culture will not enter Sarawak and if it had come in, we will ensure that it will not continue. This does not benefit the people of Sarawak," he said.

He said the opposition had said all kinds of things to win the election but the people of Sarawak still trusted the BN.

"This is all propaganda...(Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim's propaganda. Previously, he claimed the 2008 election tsunami...but he (the opposition) did not win. In Sarawak, he said (he would) win and had appointed a chief minister," Taib said.

He said the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had gone round the state to meet the people and listen to their problems, and this had given positive impact.

"The people saw that the federal government had given more attention to Sarawak. The PM (Prime Minister) also knew that Sarawak needs catching up policy to implement the rural NKRA (National Key Result Area) programme to provide water and electricity supplies as well as roads," he said.

Taib said the election result today was already expected based on the current situation but what was important was that the BN continued to form the government to develop Sarawak further.

On the Chinese community which clearly favoured the DAP, he said they must decide whether to remain with the DAP or be sidelined. - Borneo Bulletin (18th April 2011)