Adenan slapping his own face, says MP

Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem is sending mixed messages regarding the state BN’s relationship with Umno, said Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen.

“Adenan is slapping his own face. On the one hand, he’s saying that (Prime Minister) Najib [Razak] and Umno have nothing to do with the election," Chong told reporters in Kuching today.

"On the other, he is asking Najib to come to Sarawak every other day. Is he (Najib) bringing in more money?"

Last week, Adenan had described Najib as having shown “sincerity” and commitment to help the state in catching up on development.

He added that federal funding would allow the construction of more schools, roads, and healthcare institutions in rural and urban areas.

“The prime minister has been most understanding and open-minded when we bring up state issues like greater autonomy…” Adenan was quoted as saying by Bernama after receiving the prime minister in Miri last Friday.

Najib made another trip to Kuching on Sunday, the second since the announcement last Thursday that the state legislative assembly is to be dissolved on April 11.

More palatable packaging

Najib has visited the state 51 times since he took office, the most of any sitting prime minister.

“What Adenan is doing is to continue Taib’s policies,” said Chong, referring to governor Taib Mahmud, who served 33 years as chief minister before stepping down in 2014.

“It’s just that he’s doing it under a more palatable packaging. It’s old wine in a new bottle,” Chong said.

“The main problem with Sarawak's economy is concentration and control by the big six crony companies. There is also a wealth disparity among the people. Adenan has not done anything to address this,” said Chong.

Last year, the state BN had distanced itself from Umno after the 1MDB scandal drew international attention in early 2015 when the investment fund missed payments of up to RM2 billion in debt owed.

Soon after, The Wall Street Journal broke news of the alleged transfer of RM2.6 billion into Najib’s personal bank accounts.

Now, although campaigning has yet to formally begin, the prime minister has been seen hand in hand with Adenan at the launch of several social welfare programmes in the state, which last Friday included a pledge of RM350 million in government grants to upgrade and expand the Miri government hospital.

Najib has said if there were people who wanted to change the government, they should not do it unconstitutionally as the ballot box was the best way to change a government.

"The people should learn from the bitter experiences of the Arab nations involved in the Arab Spring which had only resulted in chaos, domestic tension, economic failures and innocent people losing their lives," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Meanwhile, Chong said the state DAP intends to raise at least RM1 million for its rural campaign drive and hopes to capture between five and 10 rural seats. It also launched its state campaign video today. -Mkini