‘I give you face, you give me face’

 

 One thing is very clear - no matter who leads the Sarawak government, it will always aspire to be part of the federal government.

This has been the trend ever since the tenure of Sarawak’s third chief minister, Abdul Rahman Yakub (1970-81), till today. Sarawak was a partner in the Alliance and then BN. Today, it is part of the Madani government.

It makes sense because a state government’s partnership with the federal government can provide numerous advantages, ranging from access to resources and policy influence to improved public services and economic benefits.

However, it also involves navigating the complexities of federal-state relations and ensuring that the state’s interests are effectively represented at the national level.

This has been moving well into an acceptable level in the unity government. So far, both sides seem happy and contented.

I believe that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg have prioritised political stability in order to focus clearly on implementing their plans and programmes for the betterment of the nation and people.

Compatibility

Nine months into the Madani government, I think that Anwar and Abang Jo have developed a healthy working relationship based on mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill.

Their working ties have progressed well principally because the two leaders are experienced administrators holding key posts for many years and both have a healthy respect for one another.

This “I give you face, you give me face” relationship has worked remarkably well for the prime minister and Sarawak premier. Both men have shown and treated each other with respect, honour, and dignity.

Being closer in age could have helped smoothen ties between the duo as well. Anwar is 76 and Abang Jo is just three years younger. Both entered politics in the early 80’s.

It is certainly true that personal relationships and compatibility among politicians can also influence their ability to work together. Age may play a role in this, although it is just one factor among many.

What is obvious is that Anwar and Abang Jo share common values, have the necessary skills, and are committed to finding solutions to the challenges they face.

They know that together, they would be able to resolve issues better, drive the economy forward quicker, and accelerate the country’s development.

Reciprocation is important

Recently, I wrote in my column in The Sarawak Tribune that Abang Johari’s assurance that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will continue to support the unity government led by Anwar until the next general election should make the prime minister sleep soundly at night.

“We give you (Anwar) full support and (you) have a stable federal government until the next election,” Abang Jo said at the national level Malaysia Day 2023 celebrations on Sept 16 where Anwar was also present.

This was the Sarawak premier “giving face” to the prime minister, which I believe was also a promise Abang Jo will keep. There is no reason for the Sarawak premier to make such an important public declaration if he has no intention of keeping his word.

The following day, a viral video showed Abang Jo speaking at a function, telling his audience how the prime minister had asked him to brief federal ministers on how Sarawak’s economy has been developing in recent years.

According to the Sarawak premier, Anwar had recognised the economic strides and advancements Sarawak has made of late.

“The hydrogen economy and green economy are new to them. So, I became a teacher to the cabinet,” he was quoted as saying, referring to the briefing he gave to federal ministers and deputy ministers who attended the Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching last Saturday.

This was Anwar reciprocating Abang Jo’s gesture and giving face to the Sarawak leader in return. It was also the prime minister’s genuine intention to let his ministers learn from Sarawak with a lecture from the premier.

I must state here that this is the first time I’ve heard of a prime minister requesting Sarawak’s chief executive to be a “teacher” to the federal cabinet. Yes, one up for Abang Jo.

The longest working relationship between a prime minister and the Sarawak chief minister has to be the one between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Abdul Taib Mahmud, which ran from 1981 to 2003, the year Mahathir stepped down.

Taib continued as chief minister for 11 more years till 2014.

What was the legacy of the two “Tuns”? Here, I am reminded of our good mother’s advice, “If you have nothing good to say about others, it’s best not to say anything”. At times, silence sends out a very clear message.

Zero tolerance for corruption

No, Anwar and Abang Johari’s working relationship will not span 22 long years like that of Mahathir and Taib.

Personally, I think Anwar should be good for two terms of 10 years. Abang Johari has already served seven years as Sarawak’s top executive and should be contented with another five.

No matter how much longer or how short their time at the helm is, my most important wish is to see Anwar and Abang Johari leave a legacy as the cleanest and least corrupt governments in Malaysia and Sarawak.

Our two leaders must take pains to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethics. In doing so, a government can significantly reduce the prevalence of corruption and work towards the goal of providing its citizens with honest and efficient governance.

I’m sure many Malaysians and Sarawakians share my wish, difficult as it is to realise but try our utmost we must. Let “zero tolerance for corruption” be the key thrust in the government’s agenda.

To our dear prime minister, Anwar, and our dear premier of Sarawak, Abang Johari, don’t let us down as we place our hope and trust in both of you to deliver. - Mkini

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FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.