A TRIBUTE TO
Adenan Satem 1944 — 2017
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Special Pages
Adenan The man who rekindles the Sarawakian dream DATUK Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan will go down in history as the man who inspired Sarawakians to fight for their rights and planted a dream of hope in their hearts. Sarawakians will be forever grateful to the State’s Fifth Chief Minister for standing up to protect their rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and fighting to get back the autonomous power which the State has lost. A notable step in this endeavour was taken in December 2015 when the State Legislative Assembly unanimously approved a resolution, mandating the State government to safeguard Sarawak’s special interests, including education and use of the English language. When he took over the helm of the state government on Feb 28, 2014, Adenan was a man in a hurry, setting himself 53 goals to accomplish during his tenure. It was a mission that made many smirk and shake their heads at the sheer impossibility of the task but the newlyminted Chief Minister showed that his words were no mere political bravado as he hit the ground running as if knowing the limited time he had to fulfil his mission. At the time of his demise at 1.30pm yesterday, just 48 days away from his third year in office, he had silenced his doubters by achieving many of the goals set and initiating action to achieve the rest. He did it with his unorthodox approach, doing away with euphemisms and polite words that political correctness demands.
Breaking with the tradition of long salutations, his speeches were concise and to the point, offering a welcome breath of fresh air to the audience. When he had to, he would not shy away from calling a spade a spade, famously branding the national education policy as “stupid.” He ruffled the feathers of
those who would undermine Sarawak’s efforts to assert its determination to regain its autonomous rights and power with his point-blank admonishments but won the hearts of the people in the state for standing up for them. Adenan was also a witty and unassuming speaker, peppering his speeches with colloquial
expressions in Iban and Malay, often breaking the ice with his trademark Iban celebratory cry “ooh ha” and emphasising his points with the local Malay expression “you you.” Above all, he was a Chief Minister for all the people and whose top priority was bridging the income gap to alleviate the heavy burden on their
shoulders. He abolished all the tolls on bridges and made rural development his top priority. Adenan was also not afraid to extend his hand to the opposition for the greater good of the state. Soon after taking office, he raised a few eyebrows by inviting opposition lawmakers
to lunch at his office. He did not look at the opposition as his political enemy per se but also recognised them as loyal Malaysians who are strive to serve the people as well. “We must remember the opposition are Malaysians loyal to the country. It is not wrong to give them an opportunity to speak or listen to their views,” he said. However, Adenan did not have a magic wand to solve every problem or implement all his plans successfully. Inevitably, he ran into obstacles in the implementation of his directives but remained undaunted and strove on. His term as Chief Minister was cut short by his demise but the dream and hopes he implanted in the hearts of Sarawakians will live on. As we mourn Adenan’s passing, the best way to show our gratitude for all he had done for the state is to continue living his dream of rising above race, religion and politics in working towards attaining the goals he set. Sarawakians will remember Adenan and cherish his memory in many way but the one whereby he had endeared himself to the people and by which Sarawakians will remember him by should aptly be – ooh ha you you. In its own unique way, this salutation has struck an accordant chord with the people and will continue to resonate in their grateful hearts. May his soul rest in peace.
A TRIBUTE TO
Adenan Satem
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1944 — 2017
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Special Pages
A man who worked tirelessly for the people 35. No restriction on Bahasa Melayu Bible in Sarawak 36. No Hudud in Sarawak 37. Bigots and extremists are not welcome in Sarawak 38. Sarawak is a big state and enough for everybody to live together peacefully
THROUGHOUT his tenure, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem was known as the ‘chief minister who never sleeps’, given the 45 principles and actions he adhered to and implemented since March 2014. Even the chief minister himself told Sarawakians studying, working and living in Peninsular Malaysia that “I have not been sleeping and I have made 45 decisions in the last 19 months” during the ‘Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2015’ dinner held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 24, 2014. When addressing thousands of Sarawakians attending the ‘Kamek Ngan CM Adenan’ townhall session at PWTC that day, Adenan said he had not stopped asking himself ‘What have you done in the last 19 months?’
TECHNICAL EDUCATION 39. Priority to technical education PAN BORNEO HIGHWAY SARAWAK 40. From Telok Melano to Merapok, spanning a total distance of 1,089km will be upgraded, with following benefits; ● From 2-Lane road to a 4-Lane highway across Sarawak ● Modern bridges, proper Rest & Services Areas, designated Lay-bys ● More comfortable journey ● Shorter travelling time
ANAK SARAWAK 1. Bumiputeras in the state should not be classified as ‘Lain-lain’ 2. Chinese are not ‘pendatang’ 3. Putrajaya is reminded of formulating policies that not all Bumiputeras are Malays or Muslims 4. Many illegal immigrants expelled — Immigration Department told to be more active
22. Moratorium on Baram Dam 23. International scholars and naturalists are welcome to do research in our national parks 24. Collaborations with NGOs are encouraged 25. To give state government longer time to continue governing the state with the good work so far 26. Alibaba fishing licences are to be cancelled and reviewed 27. All recipients under welfare assistance programme will receive an extra RM50 per month
FREE OR REDUCED FEE 5. Reduced electricity tariff depending on the consumption units 6. All ferry services throughout the state reduced 7. Abolishment of tolls on bridges 8. No GST (Goods and Services Tax) on Municipal Council services GOVERNMENT PROMISES TO CHINESE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS 9. Recognition of Chinese independent schools with allocations of RM3 million in 2014, RM4 million in 2015 and RM5 million in 2016 10. Recognition of UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) for Yayasan Sarawak loan/ scholarship and entry to the state civil service. PETRONAS COMMITMENTS 11. Contracts worth RM2.1 billion for Sarawak companies every year 12. Increase of Petronas CSR (corporate social responsibility) with a
baseline of RM10 million per year 13. Petronas education assistance/technical school at a value of RM420 million for five years RURAL TRANSFORMATION 14. Creation of one new division (Serian) and nine new districts (Tebedu, Subis, Beluru, Telang Usan, Sebauh, Bukit Mabong, Tanjung Manis, Pusa and Kabong) and six new subdistricts (Siburan, Bario, Tinjar, Long Bedian, Mulu and Nanga Budu) 15. Extra RM500 million for rural development to bridge
the gap between urban and rural areas NO NON-SARAWAK POLITICAL PARTIES 16. No to peninsula-based parties in Sarawak 17. Umno agrees not to come to Sarawak * Adenan included Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Pan-Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS) as non-Sarawak political parties by declaring: “We do not want them in Sarawak” and “We can take care of ourselves and we know how to.”
STATE GOVERNMENT’S STAND/POLICIES 18. Sarawak insists on more autonomy in line with devolution of power to the state 19. Talks on oil royalty are still on-going 20. Talks and negotiations of empowerment for state government, in accordance with terms under Malaysia Agreement 21. English to be the medium for non-national schools still under negotiation and English correspondence in state government together with Bahasa Malaysia
FOREST MANAGEMENT & ENFORCEMENT 28. No new timber and plantation licences will be issued 29. Half of OT (Occupation Ticket) licences cancelled or not renewed 30. Over 30 sawmills with illegal logs closed down 31. 10 per cent of land forest will be national parks SARAWAK HARMONY 32. Sarawak has no tolerance for racists 33. Non-Muslims are free to practise their religion 34. The word ‘Allah’ can be used by anyone, anytime provided it is done with respect
SARAWAK LAND 41. To increase numbers of communal land for the purpose of improving the livelihood and welfare of the people 42. Continuous recognition of NCR (Native Customary Rights) land and undertaking of perimeter and individual surveys have succeeded in bringing more and more of such land onto the register and opening up opportunity for the natives to develop their land on a commercial basis 43. Recent amendment to Section 5(5A) of the Sarawak Land Code has enabled Bumiputeras of Sarawak to acquire NCR land outside of their own community, thereby enhancing opportunity to develop NCR land 44. Reinstating perpetuity terms to subdivided plots from parent title that carry a similar term (in perpetuity) erases landowners’ anxiety and sense of deprivation TEACHERS IN SARAWAK 45. Ratio of nine local teachers to one from outside Sarawak under initiative 90:10 by 2018’ comes under the ‘Teachers in Sarawak’ section.
A TRIBUTE TO
REVIEWING
Special Pages
2013
Adenan Satem 1944 — 2017
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Thursday, January 12, 2017
A legacy felt by all Sarawakians Kiew By Philip reporters@theborneopost.com
Sarawakians, near and far, have all been saddened by the untimely demise of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem. His impact and legacy have been unmistakable despite his short tenure as Chief Minister, leaving behind big shoes to fill. Acting without fear or favour against illegal logging and illegal immigrants, building game-changing rural infrastructures, creating more districts, responding to cries from the man on the street, fighting for greater autonomous powers for Sarawak are just some of the benchmarks he made as Chief Minister that that will forever be remembered. He launched a war against corruption to rein in illegal logging, warning the industry not to mess with him. He was steadfast in protecting Sarawak’s religious freedom and promoting cultural diversity at a time when political parties in Peninsular Malaysia were either race- or religious-centric in shoring up support from the grassroots. His position on the use of the words ‘Allah’ and ‘pendatang’ were reflections of Sarawakian sentiments on these issues which threaten to disrupt our treasured racial and religious co-existence. In standing up for Sarawakians, he pushed for greater autonomy, striking an accord with the federal government for the devolution of administrative powers to the state government. My admiration for this well-read, intelligent and articulate politician goes back to the era of the Ming Court Affair when I first became a journalist in 1988 and he was the designated trouble shooter for Sarawak Barisan Nasional and later peacemaker. He knew his stuff and the straightshooting Adenan would tell anyone
off if they crossed a line or tried to pull the wool over his eyes. As a former journalist himself, he would dictate the story by paragraphs to reporters. Once after a field trip to a cattle integration scheme in oil palm plantations in his capacity as Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture back then, he told me to just write a caption story about cows. “No need to write about me as I am already famous enough,” he quipped. I disagreed, telling him I would write according to newsworthiness. Surprisingly, he looked at me and said: “OK.” Over the years, I would come to know him better, sharing many helicopter flights zig-zagging over the rural areas in northern Sarawak with him. The helicopter crash at the foot of Mt Murud in Bario which killed his good friend, the late Dato Dr Judson Sakai Tagal in 2004, however, saddened him greatly. So much so that he stopped flying to the Kelabit and Lun Bawang highlands for many years. He needed time and only managed to return to Bario in 2015. Although he may have come across as aloof to many in the past. In reality, he was a man with a heart of gold. With his healthy dose of uncensored humour, wit and deep commanding voice, his ability to engage his audience was par excellence. There was no mistake about him being a man of principle who wouldn’t stand for foolishness or flimsy excuses - and there were no exceptions. All these came to the fore when he became Chief Minister, traits that would make Sarawakians fall in love with him. His willingness to pose for wefies was a sharp departure from the stern, straight-talking man of few words of the past. Everyone in Sarawak loves him. Even Sabahans admire him. And now he is gone. He will be missed by all. Adenan attempting to cast his net. Even in life, he cast his net wide and far for Sarawak in his care for the environment, earning him respect throughout the country and even abroad.
Adenan (left) and his good friend, the late Dr Judson who forged close bonds with the Orang Ulu community as in this file photo taken in 2003 at Kpg Long Ikang. Adenan in Bario in 2003.
Adenan at Baram Regatta in 2014.
Adenan ( second left) always had an affinity for nature.
A TRIBUTE TO
Adenan Satem
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1944 — 2017
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Special Pages
Champion of racial and religious harmony RACIAL harmony and religious acceptance in Sarawak have always been the pride of its people and wonder of outsiders. Sarawak is a state where a mosque and church thrive side by side, sharing their carparks and joining each other’s events. Sarawakians of different races and religions always join the festive celebrations of their friends and neighbours, and they happily sit down in coffee shops together. However, racial and religious harmony is fragile and could be destroyed by outside influences. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem was acutely aware of the danger posed by outsiders to the peaceful way of life in the state. One of the first steps he took as Chief Minister was to declare racial harmony a state policy. Adenan emphasised the implementation of this policy in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message in 2015, when he reminded Sarawakians to preserve their racial unity and religious acceptance that had been the cornerstone of the state’s peace and progress. He warned that a divided society – with each race only prioritising the interests of their own people – would stunt the state’s progress and destroy the way of life Sarawakians had been enjoying. His warning was timely as there had been a growing danger that outsiders could be sowing the seeds of racial and religious discord. Following up his words with action, he announced on March 21, 2014, that religious bigots, racists and troublemakers would be barred from entering Sarawak and that any outsider stoking racial or religious tension would be deported. “This is to prevent peaceful Sarawakians from being infected by racism and religious bigotry. This is done only in the best interest of the peaceful people of Sarawak, who are known to be hospitable and moderate in their views and actions,” Adenan said.
Turning words into action There were many who doubted Adenan would live up to his words but he quickly silenced the doubters within a month of taking office, by invoking Section 66 of the Immigration Act 1963 to bar the entry of three PKR top leaders — vice president Tian Chua, secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nastion Ismail and strategy director Rafizi Ramli — in the run-up to the Balingian state by-election on March 22, 2014. PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was allowed to stay. Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah explained the ban only applied to those whom the state felt were undesirable and had the
tendency to create disharmony among the races. “Preserving racial harmony is not easy. We do not want this harmony that we have built up for all these years be destroyed by personalities from Peninsular Malaysia, who will just leave us in disarray after they have created havoc,” he had explained. This was later substantiated when Malay supremacist Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali was also stopped from entering the state. Controversial lecturer Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, who was invited to give a speech at a religious function in Lundu on Dec 26, 2014, was also turned back after arriving at the Kuching International Airport. l Turn to Page 17
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Thursday, January 12, 2017
CONDOLENCE
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Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Haji Adenan Bin Haji Satem on the loss of their beloved one on 11/01/2017 From:
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CONDOLENCE Our deepest sympathy & heartfelt condolence to
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A TRIBUTE TO
Adenan Satem 1944 — 2017
Special Pages
Thursday, January 12, 2017
l From Page 4
Rising above the ‘Allah’ controversy When the furore over the use of the word ‘Allah’ by Christians in their worship and Bibles was raging in Peninsular Malaysia, Adenan stood high above the issue by declaring that the word ‘Allah’ could be used by Christians in Sarawak, and that there would be no restriction of any sort placed on Bibles used in Sarawak. Adenan, who was educated at St Joseph’s Secondary School, had promised Christians in Sarawak they could use the word ‘Allah’ in their worship and literature. When Kelantan passed the bill on implementation of hudud (Islamic criminal law) in its state assembly and tried to table it in Parliament, Adenan again rose to the occasion by declaring that he would not allow hudud to be implemented in Sarawak. “Rest assured that any proposal to alter or remove any of these constitutional safeguards would be brought by the state government to the attention of this House for deliberation and its endorsement would be sought,” promised Adenan in his winding-up speech at the May 2014 State Legislative Assembly sitting. Illegal immigrants The Chief Minister was also aware of the threat posed by illegal immigrants in the state.
Many of them were Suluks from Southern Philippines and had been living in coastal areas near Miri for years, working as fishermen for local syndicates. Their presence was well known to the locals, especially fishermen whose livelihood was affected by their presence, but numerous reports to the authorities showed that
nothing had been done. In March 2015, after years of angry silence, some Miri fishermen found their voice through The Borneo Post and raised the issue of these aggressive Suluk fishermen, who had been jeopardising the local fishing industry by using methods not permitted by the government such as fish bombs
and poison. When Adenan heard about it, he vowed to go all out to rid the state of illegal immigrants before they became too big a problem to tackle, such as that experienced by Sabah. He said it plainly that it “irked” him that the Immigration Department had been informed about the
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problem originating from the Philippines since 2014, but failed to act on it. He instructed enforcement agencies to work together and put a stop to the influx of illegal immigrants, to prevent Sarawak from ending up like Sabah. Just over a week later, 155 illegal immigrants, mainly the Suluks and Bajaus, were
arrested at two squatter colonies in Batu Satu Lutong and near Pujut 7 Bridge, in Miri. Within the next two months, integrated operations headed by the Immigration Department, police, General Operations Force, Rela, Land and Survey Department, Sarawak Energy Bhd, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Marine Fisheries Department and marine police were conducted. “They say I don’t mean business on illegal immigrants in Sarawak. You know what is happening in Miri now? You have Filipinos — 500 to 700 of them — living in and around Miri and they (enforcers) don’t know about it? “We warned the Immigration Department one year ago, but nothing has been done since. A problem that was small has now become a big problem. Raids will continue and more will be arrested. “As far as Sarawak is concerned, don’t mess with me,” Adenan had warned. Following Adenan’s clampdown on illegal immigrants, more than 500 Suluks voluntarily came forward and expressed their desire to return to the Philippines. Apart from illegal immigrants in the coastal areas, raids were carried out at construction sites and oil palm plantations to flush out illegal immigrants from other neighbouring countries.
A TRIBUTE TO
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Adenan Satem 1944 — 2017
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Special Pages
Background Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem Date of Birth 27 January 1944
Place of Birth Kuching
Career Prosecutor, Crown Law Office, Adelaide (1969-70)
Magistrate (1971-72)
Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Primary Industries Malaysia (1972-74)
Private legal practitioner (1975-1985)
Member of State Legislative Assembly (1978 till now)
Assistant Minister for Land Development Sarawak (12 July 1985 – 12 March 1987)
Minister for Land Development Sarawak (12 March 1987 – September 1992)
Minister for Social Development Sarawak (Sept 1992 – Jan 1998)
Minister for Agriculture & Food Industries Sarawak (2 January 1998- 29 March 2004)
Minister for Natural Resources & Environmental Malaysia
(31 March 2004 – 14 February 2006)
Special Advisor in the Chief Minister’s office 2 April 2010
Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office and Minister for Special Functions Sept 2010-present
Awards Johan Bintang Sarawak (JBS) – 7 July 1986 on TYT’s Birthday
Pingat Peringatan Bakti (Silver)(PPB)
– 31 August 1988 in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence within Malaysia
Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak (PNBS) – 16 September 1990 which carries the title ‘Dato Sri’
Pingat Peringatan Delima (Gold) (PPD)
– 22 July 2003 in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence within Malaysia
Anugerah Kedoktoran from University Technology of Swinburne – October 2008
Darjah Utama Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Kenyalang Sarawak which carries the title ‘Datuk Amar Bnitang Kenyalang’ (DA)
Other contributions Deputy Chairman Sarawak Land Development Board (SLBD)
Chairman Sarawak Sports Council
Chairman of Board of Trustee for Sarawak Malay Culture Foundation (AKYBMS)
– 24 October 2009 in conjunction with the TYT’s 88th birthday celebration
Deputy Chairman Land Custody & Development Authority (LCDA) Deputy Chairman Sarawak Land Consolidation & Rerhabilitation Authority (SALCRA)
Chairman Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus Council 12 October 2004-present
Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) which carries the title ‘Tan Sri’
Board of Directors for Sarawak Higher Education Foundation (SHEF) Board of Directors for Malaysia Australia Foundation (MAF)
Protem of Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus Miri
Board of Directors for Kumpulan Wang Kawasan Konsesi Hutan (Pemulihan & Pembangunan)
Council Member of Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus Miri Chairman of Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF)
– 5 June 2010 in conjunction with DYMM Sri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday celebration
Darjah Utama Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Kenyalang Datuk Patinggi (DP) – 13 Sept 2014 Darjah Gemilang Seri Melaka (DGSM) which carries the title ‘Datuk Seri’ – 16 Oct 2016
Chairman Sarawak Land Development Board (SLDB) Chairman Land Custody & Development Authority (LCDA) Chairman Sarawak Land Consolidation & Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) Chairman Sarawak Stadium Board
Board of Trustee for Sarawak Heart Foundation (SHF) Chairman Sarawak Foundation Chairman Sarawak Scouts
Chairman of Natural Resources & Environment Board (NREB) Chairman of Lembaga Pengurusan Mineral Negeri
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Adenan Satem 1944 — 2017
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Thursday, January 12, 2017
Heralding a new brand of leadership Q: You have been working with the former Chief Minister for the past 33 years. How would you describe him? A: I think I have been working with him since 1972. There is only one Taib Mahmud. He is one of a kind – his imagination, originality, intelligence. I mean words are not enough to describe him. I think he is one in a million. There is only one Taib. You know the song Lagenda? There are one thousand stars in the sky but there is only one that shines – and that is Taib Mahmud.
When Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem first stepped into office, The Borneo Post was eager to find out about the man who would take the helm as the fifth Chief Minister of Sarawak. Throughout their interview, he impressed with his eloquence, his forthrightness and his capacity to listen and be heard. Here’s a look back at the conversation we first had with him for our March 1, 2014 supplement, ‘Ushering in a New Era’. Q: Did you know you were the chosen one (to be the new Chief Minister) before the announcement by Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud? A: No, I was informed in the last minute. Q: What came to your mind when you first knew about it? A: Let me come up with an opening statement first. I am very grateful for the expressions of support from many people from all walks of life across the communities who wish me well in my new job. Of course, there are some negative comments, but then I don’t expect the opposition to be complimentary. For those who have confidence in me, I shall try to justify their confidence the best way I can. As I have said earlier, I will try to be a Chief Minister to all – the Malays, Chinese, Ibans, Bidayuhs, Orang Ulu. And even the opposition, I hope they will accept me as their Chief Minister too. I am going to be the Chief Minister for Sarawak. There is no such thing as a Chief Minister for the Malays or for the Barisan Nasional. A Chief Minister must be for all. Q: So what came to your mind when you first knew about it? A: The first thing that came to my mind was – this is going to be a big responsibility. This is going to be a big responsibility which
requires my full attention and devotion to duty. Q: Former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said he would not interfere with the state’s political affairs unless his advice was sought. Would you like to comment on his statement? A: That is the correct constitutional position of a Head of State because he is above politics. Q: There were a few developments following your first press conference at Yayasan Sarawak (after the announcement by Pehin Sri). Some had taken the cue, especially Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president Tan Sri William Mawan. What is your comment?
A: This is a very good sign – a very encouraging sign. In politics, you have to give and take. You cannot have it your way all the time. Sometimes, you have to compromise for the sake of unity. This is a very good sign. I shall be calling the parties involved and listen to what they have to say. Q: Are you going to take the same step with Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP)? A: I will try. Q: What are the formulae you have for this? A: I can’t be specific about the formulae. I would have to hear from them first. You see in politics, you learn not only to talk but how to listen. We have two ears and one mouth.
We have to listen before we say anything. If we talk, we are repeating what we already know. And if we listen, we might learn what we don’t know. We might learn something new. Q: What about speculations on the appointment of Datuk Amar Abang Johari as the other Deputy Chief Minister? A: For the time being, everything goes on as before. I will consider that at the appropriate time. That speculation is not illogical. Q: Have you talked with Abang Johari and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah (Ali Hasan)? A: I am looking forward to working with them. They have said they would work with me.
To us, in PBB, the party is more important than personalities. Q: With the Bumiputera Supreme Council members outnumbering the Pesaka wing in PBB, is there a possibility of a Dayak becoming Chief Minister of Sarawak? A: In politics, everything is possible. Taib’s choice is of someone who is quite capable. But I am not saying I am more capable than the rest. I want to make this clear. For instance, Taib is a Melanau. He is from a minority race but nobody has any qualms or raised anything. What is important for a Sarawak leader is to ensure the races are working together within the context of the parties in BN and whatever race one belongs to, the voice will be heard.
Q: What would you like to achieve as the Chief Minister of Sarawak? A: I have already said it. I will continue what my predecessor has started. When you are on a good thing, you stick to it. You don’t just change horses midstream - you don’t simply change because people will ask: change for what? So I will continue with my present team. I do have ideas of my own but I will put them on the back burner first until I see the total picture. I have gone through a series of briefings given by government departments, ministries and statutory bodies to keep tabs on what is going on. I can make policies only after I have the assessment and have known all the facts. Q: What do you think will be your biggest challenge as Chief Minister of Sarawak? A: I don’t envy the person who succeeds Taib Mahmud because his shoes are much too big for me to fill. The biggest challenge is unity within Barisan Nasional (BN). I will need to strengthen the component parties to overcome certain issues raised with regards to the approach to development. I don’t think I can measure up to my predecessor but I will try. l Turn to Page D20
A TRIBUTE TO
Adenan Satem 1944 — 2017
Special Pages
D19
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Heralding a new brand of leadership Q: You have been working with the former Chief Minister for the past 33 years. How would you describe him? A: I think I have been working with him since 1972. There is only one Taib Mahmud. He is one of a kind – his imagination, originality, intelligence. I mean words are not enough to describe him. I think he is one in a million. There is only one Taib. You know the song Lagenda? There are one thousand stars in the sky but there is only one that shines – and that is Taib Mahmud.
When Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem first stepped into office, The Borneo Post was eager to find out about the man who would take the helm as the fifth Chief Minister of Sarawak. Throughout their interview, he impressed with his eloquence, his forthrightness and his capacity to listen and be heard. Here’s a look back at the conversation we first had with him for our March 1, 2014 supplement, ‘Ushering in a New Era’. Q: Did you know you were the chosen one (to be the new Chief Minister) before the announcement by Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud? A: No, I was informed in the last minute. Q: What came to your mind when you first knew about it? A: Let me come up with an opening statement first. I am very grateful for the expressions of support from many people from all walks of life across the communities who wish me well in my new job. Of course, there are some negative comments, but then I don’t expect the opposition to be complimentary. For those who have confidence in me, I shall try to justify their confidence the best way I can. As I have said earlier, I will try to be a Chief Minister to all – the Malays, Chinese, Ibans, Bidayuhs, Orang Ulu. And even the opposition, I hope they will accept me as their Chief Minister too. I am going to be the Chief Minister for Sarawak. There is no such thing as a Chief Minister for the Malays or for the Barisan Nasional. A Chief Minister must be for all. Q: So what came to your mind when you first knew about it? A: The first thing that came to my mind was – this is going to be a big responsibility. This is going to be a big responsibility which
requires my full attention and devotion to duty. Q: Former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said he would not interfere with the state’s political affairs unless his advice was sought. Would you like to comment on his statement? A: That is the correct constitutional position of a Head of State because he is above politics. Q: There were a few developments following your first press conference at Yayasan Sarawak (after the announcement by Pehin Sri). Some had taken the cue, especially Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president Tan Sri William Mawan. What is your comment?
A: This is a very good sign – a very encouraging sign. In politics, you have to give and take. You cannot have it your way all the time. Sometimes, you have to compromise for the sake of unity. This is a very good sign. I shall be calling the parties involved and listen to what they have to say. Q: Are you going to take the same step with Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP)? A: I will try. Q: What are the formulae you have for this? A: I can’t be specific about the formulae. I would have to hear from them first. You see in politics, you learn not only to talk but how to listen. We have two ears and one mouth.
We have to listen before we say anything. If we talk, we are repeating what we already know. And if we listen, we might learn what we don’t know. We might learn something new. Q: What about speculations on the appointment of Datuk Amar Abang Johari as the other Deputy Chief Minister? A: For the time being, everything goes on as before. I will consider that at the appropriate time. That speculation is not illogical. Q: Have you talked with Abang Johari and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah (Ali Hasan)? A: I am looking forward to working with them. They have said they would work with me.
To us, in PBB, the party is more important than personalities. Q: With the Bumiputera Supreme Council members outnumbering the Pesaka wing in PBB, is there a possibility of a Dayak becoming Chief Minister of Sarawak? A: In politics, everything is possible. Taib’s choice is of someone who is quite capable. But I am not saying I am more capable than the rest. I want to make this clear. For instance, Taib is a Melanau. He is from a minority race but nobody has any qualms or raised anything. What is important for a Sarawak leader is to ensure the races are working together within the context of the parties in BN and whatever race one belongs to, the voice will be heard.
Q: What would you like to achieve as the Chief Minister of Sarawak? A: I have already said it. I will continue what my predecessor has started. When you are on a good thing, you stick to it. You don’t just change horses midstream - you don’t simply change because people will ask: change for what? So I will continue with my present team. I do have ideas of my own but I will put them on the back burner first until I see the total picture. I have gone through a series of briefings given by government departments, ministries and statutory bodies to keep tabs on what is going on. I can make policies only after I have the assessment and have known all the facts. Q: What do you think will be your biggest challenge as Chief Minister of Sarawak? A: I don’t envy the person who succeeds Taib Mahmud because his shoes are much too big for me to fill. The biggest challenge is unity within Barisan Nasional (BN). I will need to strengthen the component parties to overcome certain issues raised with regards to the approach to development. I don’t think I can measure up to my predecessor but I will try. l Turn to Page D20