Adenan Satem, who just completed his 100 days as the chief minister of Sarawak, is deemed by the state PKR as playing second fiddle to former chief minister and the current Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud.

“His new administration is perceived as interim and a continuation of the old administration that is under intense scrutiny and criticism, both internally and internationally.

“It is of little help to Adenan when his predecessor appears together with him in major functions, with the new chief minister deemed to be playing second fiddle to the governor,” Sarawak PKR vice-chairperson See Chee How ( left ) said today.

Commenting on the 100 days of Adenan’s administration, See, who is the Batu Lintang assemblyperson, added: “True to the popular proverb, our chief minister was given a lot of slack in his first 100 days in office, during which he enjoyed a high level of public support.”

See said Adenan should certainly reflect back on his sweet honeymoon, during which he also led the state BN to a resounding victory in the Balingian by-election.

Further, the Sarawak state assembly unanimously backed him in the state government’s request to the federal government that the oil and gas royalty paid to the state be increased from the present five percent to 20 percent.

Briskly tested by party cross-overs

“His mantle as the BN state chief was also briskly tested with his cabinet ministers and assistant ministers joining a newly formed party and mounting the exodus of members from SPDP and SUPP, a move that has provoked strenuous opposition from three state BN coalition parties,” See said.

“Now that honeymoon is over, and there will be no more slack for him for him to perform. Adenan must deliver on his promises and fulfil the hopes of Sarawakians that things can change and their lives will improve under the new administration.”

 

See said Adenan must swiftly and resolutely walk out from the shadow of the previous Taib-led administration.

Adenan  should counter the general perception that the Sarawak government is by and large contemptuous, that wealth generated from the state has not been managed or distributed properly and fairly and that government projects and grants benefit only a handful of people.

“To stamp his mark and that of his administration as clean, transparent and accountable, and in anticipation of an increased oil and gas royalty payment or compensation in lieu of our oil and gas rights, the new chief minister should set a deadline to set up a state sovereign wealth fund for the perpetual purpose of fulfilling the rights of all Sarawakians in terms of education, health, rural development and generally, to improve and uplift their lives and livelihood.

“Adenan should also institutionalise the mechanism and processes in his administration to ensure good governance, as well as ensure that immediate and close family members and party affiliates are not awarded development projects, except through open and honest tenders and biddings.

“He must also ensure fair distribution of opportunities and wealth from the state and federal government initiatives,” the PKR leader added.