KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who has been named successor to Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as Sarawak chief minister, has been described as the most ideal choice as he has enormous experience in administration at both state and federal levels.
Barisan Nasional (BN) party leaders said Adenan would be capable of fostering closer ties between Sarawak and the federal government.
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was confident Adenan would use his vast experience in the state and federal governments to carry out his new duties well.
Adenan, who is Special Functions Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office , celebrated his 70th birthday on Jan 27, and has a colourful background.
He had worked as a journalist, teacher as well as legal counsel and was appointed federal minister in 2004, as natural resources and environment minister.
Dr Mahathir also advised the other candidates who were not selected to fill the post to continue being loyal to the new chief minister.
“Do not fight with one another or the party may be weakened, which would benefit no one,” he told reporters after opening a seminar and forum here today.
He was commenting on Abdul Taib’s resignation as Sarawak chief minister on Feb 28, and naming Adenan as his successor.
On rumours that Taib would take over the post of Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak, Dr Mahathir said: “There is no better qualified person than (Abdul) Taib for the post.”
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman congratulated Adenan and expressed confidence that with his vast experience, Sarawak would continue to progress and prosper, bringing further development to the state.
In a statement issued here yesterday, he said under Adenan, the state Barisan Nasional leadership would remain strong and maintain the prevailing political and economic stability in Sarawak.
He also commended Taib for being a visionary leader and bringing about much development throughout Sarawak during his tenure as chief minister.
“ Taib is a true statesman, who has dedicated much of his life to serving the people and bringing socio-economic development to the state.
“I wish him well, and all the best in the next chapter of his life,” added Musa.
In Johor Baharu, MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said Adenan was the right person to be the new Sarawak chief minister, who will further strengthen the relationship between Sarawak and the federal government.
He told Bernama that Adenan had vast experience in the state and federal governments. — Bernama