Zam: Adenan has eyes for Najib only

Sarawak Chief Minister should worry too about the feelings of the people in the peninsula.

KUCHING: Former Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin expressed disappointment with Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem in praising Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak while ignoring others who had contributed as well. “It can be conceded that Adenan was trying to do his best for Sarawak given the forthcoming state elections and Najib’s present situation where he claims that he has the support of the people.”

“Adenan himself probably sees Najib as having support among the people.”

The former Information Minister noted that Adenan was a man of principle, concerned about Sarawak, “but he should at the same time, in expressing support for Najib, think of the people in the peninsula and the importance of both sides maintaining good ties with each other. He should not think of Najib alone.”

“Still, Adenan’s support for Najib will be taken as important and meaningful because he, again, is seen as a man of principle, strong character, someone who reads widely, and not easily influenced.”

Zainuddin, turning to former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as an example, acknowledges that the latter may not have given a highway to Sarawak but he was instrumental in ensuring political stability in the state and backing Chief Minister Taib Mahmud. “If not for Mahathir keeping Taib in power, Adenan would not have become Chief Minister.”

“Mahathir was instrumental too in maintaining good ties between the Federal and Sarawak Governments.”

Among Mahathir’s many contributions, he added, was keeping Umno out of Sarawak despite great pressure to do so. “He appreciated the support of the Orang Asal.”

Sarawak, with Mahathir’s support, was able to develop quietly on its own without any interference or disruption, he stressed. “It’s no longer the case today, after his time, as the Umno Youth Chief himself sees no reason why the party like other Peninsula-based outfits, should not go to Sarawak. There are attempts being made to rock the leadership in Sarawak.”

“Taib’s name too is being dragged through the mud. Mahathir ignored all the allegations leveled at the former Chief Minister and valued his contribution in securing the support of the Orang Asal.”

Taib, ventured Zainuddin, knows who are Sarawak’s friends in Kuala Lumpur and its many foes. “There were attempts at the Federal level to have Taib investigated by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and have him removed from the Chief Minister’s post and someone brought in as his replacement.”

“Again, had this happened, Adenan would not have been Chief Minister.”