Recently, the CM of Sarawak Abdul Taib Mahmud said that he is prepared to step down if the people do not want him anymore. Some quarters then speculated whether he is preparing to call it a day.

I agree that his remark was merely a cautionary statement that was well-calculated to ‘test the waters’. Nobody's stopping you from stepping down but yourself, Taib. Politicians know when to get into the playing field but do not know when to get out.

Only true leaders know when to get in and when to leave - gracefully. So the question remains - who are you, Taib? A politician or a leader? Despite being the chief minister for the past 28 years, the fact remains that Sarawak is the fourth poorest state in Malaysia.

Tragically, it is the biggest state in terms of land size and yet, it is the state with the largest number of land squatters because many natives have been ejected from their land claimed by the state. This same land has been given to plantation owners who have reaped untold profits.

While plantation owners enjoy acres and acres of land, the very same natives no longer have their land. Is this part of his politics of development? Development for whom and at whose expense?

I am sure there are some who want him to stay but what are the motives behind their allegiance?

Before the days of a connected society, misdeeds could be buried and people would be oblivious to anything.

Now, there is no place to hide in cyberspace. Even if he were to fart now, with the click of the mouse, we can hear about it. Sarawak Report has given many reports about Taib’s 'achievements’ and have traced these.

I am sure many would say that you don't have to ask anyone whether you, Taib, should go. There is no need to test any water - just go - and let a fresh breed of leadership develop Sarawak in the right direction for its people.

You are a lawyer by training so just ask yourself how, where and when have you have shown justice to Sarawakians? Perhaps then, if you search your heart, you will leave and leave quietly.