“I am not only the chief minister of the Malays, of the Chinese, or of the Ibans and so on but a chief minister for everyone. I am the chief minister of ALL THE PEOPLE, including the opposition...” - Adenan Satem (June 24, 2014)

It was not too long ago, when Adenan made this bold declaration to a roaring audience, approving to what we thought was a more inclusive government of all races and religion. A chief minister that wasn’t just for a particular race, but a chief and government that will take care of all Sarawakians regardless of our heritage or background.

Fast forward a few years, and when it comes to the pressure of the election, Adenan somewhat reverted from his original stand. They say, it is through pressure that you will see a man for who he really is.

Recently, Nangka assemblyperson Dr Annuar Rapaee, was caught in a storm over his comments urging Sarawak Muslims to vote for Barisan Nasional in order to ensure they could continue to have a Muslim chief minister. He may deny it all he wants, but we have heard the recording.

However what is sad for me, is there was never a telling off by our dear chief minister who claims that religious or racial rhetoric does not belong in our state.

Seems to me that there is a bit of double standards here. As long as it mentioned by anyone from #TeamAdenan, it seems to me that all is forgiven and done.

However the main topic on everyone’s lips right now especially in the urban areas is the offer by Adenan to “consider” electing a Chinese deputy chief minister (DCM) if and only if the urban areas which is an opposition stronghold, votes for the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP). He even issued an ultimatum that if the Chinese did not vote for SUPP but choose to vote DAP, the Chinese will be left out from the government.

Where is the strong urging he made where he is the chief for all Sarawakians? Why, when under pressure, is he now resorting to play the racial card and attempting to induce the need for people to vote along racial lines?

The question for us to consider when we vote of course, is a Chinese DCM what we really want? Is the reason why Chinese in general has chosen to vote for the opposition, is because we wanted a Chinese DCM?

In context, in Sarawak we use to have a Chinese DCM, but the reason it was vacated was because the incumbent at that time lost his seat to an opposition newcomer.

So from this pattern, it is clear that what we want is not just a post in the cabinet, what we demand is for good governance, responsible allocations and of course no corruption which is allegedly heavily ingrained in the current Barisan Nasional government.

What is the good of a Chinese DCM when he will continue to be part of the system that has ransacked the riches of the state? Can’t Adenan, who claims to be the chief minister for all, also take care of the interest of the Chinese and not heed to the need for a specific race to take care of that specific racial group?

Do we need now to appoint a Bidayuh DCM, or an Orang Ulu DCM, or an Indian DCM? No matter how small their composition in the state, shouldn’t they also deserve representation base on the logic that Adenan is portraying?

Steer the people clear from hazardous sentiments

If Adenan is really a leader who wants to uphold the interest of the people, he should steer the people clear from sentiments that is hazardous to the future of the state, and that includes racial and religious sentiments. However, it is sad that he now seems to be encouraging it.

If, maybe if Adenan really wants some sort of racial representation in his #TeamAdenan, may I suggest maybe these special team members do not necessarily have to be elected members by the public, but appointed to special advisory role within the cabinet for their so-called interest of their own race.

Hear me out.

SUPP and its president Dr Sim Kui Hian have already direct access to the CM. Dr Sim himself is already an appointed senator and already has a voice and an influence within the government. Why is it then necessary to elect him again as a state assembly member again to voice out what he already can voice out directly to the chief minister?

Wouldn’t it be better if Dr Sim or anyone from SUPP be appointed by the CM on an advisory role and we the people elect an opposition member in the state assembly to make sure there is a check and balance between the two parties?

So there is an advisory from SUPP, and an opposition within the state assembly to make sure he holds on to what is promised.

If there is a weak opposition in the state assembly, how are we then going to make sure they will actually take care of the interest of the people then? I doubt the CM will appoint an opposition member to his side, so why not let SUPP take the appointed advisory role?

Are you saying they (SUPP) will not uphold the interest of the people if they are not elected? If so, their slogan for caring for the people does not carry any water if they will only care if elected.

We have to be honest with ourselves. Do we think Adenan would have showered so much goodies to the Chinese community if SUPP was strongly in power?

So, what do you think he would do, or if things will be different if there is a Chinese DCM in power?

Position means nuts if they do not have power to make a difference. We have seen over the years, how SUPP is subservient not only to PBB, but also their master from the West, Umno.

Representation as being ‘promised’ in the cabinet in this current climate, may only seem like an additional furniture in a beautiful hall.

I truly believe, we all have the best interest of Sarawak in our hearts. That is why it is important for us to consider all possible options and see how we can enjoy the best of both worlds to make sure the interest of the people of Sarawak are better taken care of.

And I believe with this move, we the voters can also gauge the true nature of Adenan. If he forsakes the Chinese community just because SUPP didn’t win, then we truly know that all he cares about is votes, and not the people.

KELVIN YII is a parliamentary assistant to Stampin MP Julian Tan.