A TRUE leader is one with strong political will, daring to go against the norm or making unpopular decisions to benefit the people.
Such is the political will possessed by our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, as he went about introducing 45 initiatives and policies after just 21 months in office.
Adenan knew then when taking over the stewardship of the state that he needed a strong political will to continue his predecessor’s good work of elevating Sarawak’s growth and the people’s prosperity to greater heights.
So, armed with this unwavering will to create a better Sarawak, he took the fight against illegal logging, focused on rural development, abolished tolls, lowered the electric tariff, strengthened integrity in the civil service, stopped the issuance of timber licences, provided substantial grants to Chinese schools, recognised the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), sought autonomy and devolution of powers, construction of the Pan Borneo Highway and many more.
He discharged his duties without fear or favour, putting the people’s interests above all.
He was not afraid of stepping on other people’s toes for a good cause as in the case of Sarawak going ahead with UEC recognition despite Putrajaya’s stand on not recognising the qualification from Chinese independent schools.
Putrajaya’s awkward stand on the matter led our CM to say: “We (Malaysia) are the only place that does not recognise the UEC. What a waste. In the end, they (UEC holders) will be pinched by other countries. They will work overseas, and we will lose our talents.
“I don’t care what the federal government does. I recognise them (UEC) in Sarawak, and I’m prepared to stand up for it.”
Adenan pointed out that many Bumiputera parents send their children to Chinese schools. In some of these schools, about 90 per cent of the students are Bumiputeras.
To me, this is a remarkable example of our CM’s strong political will, where he went against the tide to champion the betterment of the people.
Adenan also took Sarawak a step forward when he announced that correspondence and communication between the general public and state government bodies could now be conducted in English, apart from Bahasa Malaysia.
He said this policy was meant to improve English proficiency among civil servants and to promote the mastery of this international language among students and university undergraduates.
My view is that this is a move in the right direction and should be supported by all.
But sadly, this was not so, when Social and Cultural Affairs advisor Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim stated that the state government’s move could sow seeds of discord among the people.
Adenan, however, was quick to disagree with the former Information, Communications, Arts and Culture Minister, standing firm on his decision, again proving the Chief Minister’s strong political will.
Despite having differences in opinion on this issue, Adenan said he respected the views of his critics, stating that “they have their right to the opinions, just as I have the right to my opinions”.
Let’s face it, English language is widely used in trade and commerce across the globe.
When I studied medicine years ago, research papers and medical journals were almost all in English.
It is the language of Science and technology.
Therefore, it is imperative that we master the English language while strengthening the usage of our national language – Bahasa Malaysia.
Our CM recognises the growing importance of the English language, including securing employment, which prompted him to introduce the policy.
But it was certainly no walk in the park as it certainly required strong political will to bring about such change.
Because of his strong political will, our CM’s popularity continues to soar.
In conclusion, my diagnosis is that CM Adenan has the necessary political will to bring Sarawak to the next level of growth and prosperity.
With his strong political will, he will chart new directions for the state to move forward.
A no nonsense man who wants actions to speak louder than words in order to bring development to Sarawakians.
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