KUALA LUMPUR: Even the Opposition has admitted that Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem has done a good job in administering the state so far.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said it was evident from the Opposition’s election campaign that there was not much it could criticise Adenan about.
He said Adenan had introduced many important policies in the state since assuming office two years ago.
The most notable was the “Anak Sarawak” policy, which provides equality to all Sarawakians, regardless of race and religion.
As a result, the “lain-lain” category had been discontinued in registration forms, and Chinese born in Sarawak were no longer classified as ‘pendatang’, Salleh said in a blog post.
“This issue was a bone of contention for many Malaysians for a long time, and Adenan, in one swoop, cleared up the matter.”
He cited other issues that Adenan wanted to resolve, including the recognition of Chinese schools and the United Examination Certificate for Sarawak Foundation education loans and entry to the civil service.
Salleh said independent Chinese schools in the state had received RM3 million in government aid in 2014 and RM4 million last year. This year the aid had been increased to RM5 millon.
The state has reduced electricity tariffs and ferry services rates, while the Lanang and Baram bridge tolls have been abolished.
There is also no Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on municipal council services.
Salleh said milestones had been made in the timber industry, an area which has long drawn criticism.
He said the state no longer issued timber and plantation licences, while Half Occupation Ticket licences cancelled or are not renewed.
“More than 30 sawmills handling illegal logs have been closed down, and 10 per cent of forest land will be turned into national parks. This is how serious Adenan is about forest conservation,” said Salleh.
Salleh said the state government was also increasing communal land while recognising Native Customary Rights land to address the thorny issue.
The state is now in the midst of conducting perimeter and individual surveys to bring the lands onto the register.
It is also opening up opportunities for natives to develop their land commercially.
The amendment to the Sarawak Land Code also enables Sarawak Bumiputeras to acquire NCR land outside of their own community.
“Sarawakians are by and large very happy with these ‘reforms’ and most are of the opinion that Barisan Nasional should be given another five years to see what more Adenan could do for Sarawak and for Sarawakians,” said Salleh.
Salleh said Adenan lived a simple life but had risen in stature among people in the peninsula.
“Just two years in office, and many, even from West Malaysia, now understand why Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Najib Razak appointed him Sarawak chief minister.
“Today, many say Najib could not have made a better choice than that. It is apparent that Najib is giving Adenan full backing, and is supporting the chief minister in all his endeavours.”
Salleh likened Adenan as the sounding board of Sarawakians, adding that the most important thing was that the prime minister was listening.
“This is giving Sarawak voters the confidence that Najib and Adenan make a good team, one at federal and the other ar the state, and that Barisan Nasional will deliver what Sarawakians want.”