Independent poll shows the Chief Minister’s policies winning over Chinese community’s support
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem
KUCHING: A poll conducted by an independent public polling agency shows that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has a 60 per cent popularity rating among the Chinese.
The high approval rating is a remarkable swing in the Chinese community whose support has traditionally been inclined towards the opposition.
A reliable source informed The Borneo Post yesterday the agency had informed the stakeholders in the survey it carried out recently.
In response to the poll, Adenan told The Borneo Post that he had sensed the acceptance of the Chinese community of his policies since he took over the helm of the state government less than two years ago.
However, he stressed that whatever he did for the Chinese community was never at the expense of other communities and what he gave to the Chinese community was nothing more than what it deserved.
“The Chinese community here is also always part of the greater Sarawakian community. What I have done for them is what they deserve.
“What I am asking of them is – be fair to me. If they truly like me and would like to see my policies followed through, do translate their support into votes,” said Adenan. SUPP secretary general Datuk Sebastian Ting when contacted said that his hope was for the Chinese to be 100 per cent behind Adenan so that he could speak with a louder voice when dealing with the federal government.
“We had a function on Mar 6, 2015 which was a Chap Goh Mei gathering of SUPP. All 10,000 tickets were sold.
“That was only one year after he (Adenan) became the chief minister and that was the kind of crowd he could draw. And when he spoke, all the Chinese were still present – they were there to see him. Actually, everywhere he went, in Sibu or Miri that has been the kind of reception he was given. The Chinese appreciate what he has done for them,” said Ting.
United People’s Party (UPP) president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh when contacted said the support for Adenan was expected.
“Adenan has made an impact because of the dynamism of his new administration which is efficient, transparent and accountable. What he has done since taking office as chief minister has won the confidence and support of the Chinese community,” said the Local Government and Community Development Minister.
Citing the support of Adenan for Chinese education and his other policies which had benefited the people such as the lowering of electricity tariff for domestic, commercial and industrial usage, the abolishment of tolls, the curbing of illegal logging, the amendment of Land Code, Wong said Adenan’s new policies not only won the hearts of the Chinese but every community in the state.
“All these new policies made him a popular figure among the Sarawakians. People look up to his capable and dynamic leadership,” said Wong.
He said the popularity of Adenan has resulted in Chinese support swinging back to Barisan Nasional (BN). Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How however, was not as optimistic.
Acknowledging that the poll showed good rating among the Chinese for Adenan, See, who is the state’s PKR vice chairman said, “The polls showing Adenan’s 60 per cent popular rating may be accurate. However, how much will that be translated into votes in favour of BN?” said See.
On his defence of the Batu Lintang constituency, See expressed full confidence the Chinese community’s approval of Adenan would not erode the voters’ support for him.
“I am quite certain that Adenan’s popularity will not affect my electoral performance because I am confident of my own performance for the last four years,” said See.
Meanwhile, Merdeka Centre a polling company based in Kuala Lumpur when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday did not deny conducting the poll and the result. An officer said they would issue a media release on the political scenario of Sarawak on Monday.