Adenan (left) receives the honorary doctorate from Taib. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has conferred an honorary doctorate upon Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for his tremendous contributions to environmental conservation.
During the university’s 19th convocation yesterday, Adenan received the ‘Honorary Doctorate in Environmental Conservation’ with the aim of inspiring future generations to emulate his efforts and pursue his commitment in conserving the environment.
Adenan, who is Unimas pro chancellor, received the honour from Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is Unimas chancellor.
In his remarks, Adenan said he was pleased that his unshakable belief had finally witnessed some results, with more people being aware of the importance of conserving the environment now.
He recalled having raised environmental issues some 40 years ago during State Legislative Assembly (DUN) proceedings and having been laughed off as ‘crazy’.
“People thought that I was crazy when I gave my speech in the Dewan, but then time had proven that I was right,” he said, stressing that it was vital for the community to protect Sarawak’s heritage, or future generations would be left with nothing but deserts.
“I want people to look at our forests as naturalists; not just the dollar sign. Our heritage must be preserved for our future generations,” said Adenan, adding there was no environmental legislation in the past.
“The nearest that we had was the Natural Resources Ordinance. So we started and after we passed our Environmental Act, then the federal government followed suit. Sarawak was the first in the country to have an Environmental Act,” he said, adding that the Flora and Fauna Conservation Act came along later.
“The problem now is enforcement. You can have beautiful laws but they are of no meaning until you enforce them,” he said.
As such, he said his administration had stopped issuing occupational ticket (OT) licences coupled with other efforts to enhance sustainable forest management to better preserve the environment.
Adenan pointed out that the state government was working closely with some non-governmental organisations (NGOs), particularly those pursuing a similar agenda of environmental conservation.
“If we have the same agenda, we can work together. I hope Unimas would emphasise environmental science. We must see how beautiful this state is, and we ought to preserve it the way it is,” he stressed.
He thanked Unimas for conferring the honour upon him, saying in jest: “I have been conferred more degrees than the exams I sat for. Thank you and keep them coming.”
Adenan said the award made him more determined to preserve the environment, adding his administration would find a way to balance industrialisation and environmental conservation.
“They can co-exist. It has been proven in many other places that they can go hand in hand. It is the technique we employ that matters.”
Some of the post-graduates pose with the dignitaries during a photo-call.