Taib Mahmud was the chief Minister of Sarawak for 30 years. He is now the governor of Sarawak. During this time, he amassed massive fortunes from the state while the people of Sarawak continue to live in poverty.
Such people in high places keep the people in their place by not providing proper infrastructure and proper education. So, the people continue to remain in poverty and in "stupidity".
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/424816
http://www.sarawakreport.org/2018/05/dont-bargain-with-taib-just-tell-him-the-score/