Adenan’s gambit
In reframing the struggle for autonomy as one shared by Sarawakians of all political persuasions, the CM is showing exceptional leadership.
In Sarawak’s pursuit of greater autonomy, the only gambit that makes sense is the one manifested in Chief Minister Adenan Satem’s call for all political parties, including those in the opposition, to be united for the cause.
The battle cry for greater autonomy has become Adenan’s cause célèbre, and enthusiastic Sarawakians have flocked to his banner in the belief that here is a leader who will finally take the state to glory.
It’s no exaggeration to say that he’s showing himself as a truly visionary leader in his move to remove political lines between the ruling and opposition parties in the pursuit of the common goal of having Sarawak take control of its own destiny.
If the administration, the opposition, civil society and the ordinary citizens of Sarawak are of one mind in pressing for the devolution of federal power in the state, there appears little that Putrajaya can do but to give in. Given the importance of Sarawak as a vote bank to the beleaguered Federal Government, especially with the general election just around the corner, Putrajaya would almost certainly have to acquiesce to public pressure. Even if the GE is still set to be held on schedule in 2018, Barisan Nasional will need its bank of votes in Sarawak. In fact, with the political heat in the peninsula unlikely to subside any time before that, Prime Minister Najib Razak will need those votes more than ever.
Adenan understands that the struggle for a more independent Sarawak is not a task he alone can shoulder. The Federal Government is, understandably, reluctant to give up its control of the state. The natural resource treasure trove of Sarawak is invaluable to its coffers, and in spite of massive deforestation in the years that Taib Mahmud ruled the state, the land is still rich with economic resources and, of course, natural beauty.
Putrajaya must therefore be constantly reminded of its promises and be held to them by more than just the leader of the state. Only the uncompromising voice of the people will ensure that the state wins out.
It’s high time for Sarawak to use both hands to take what rightfully belongs to it. As Adenan himself said, Sarawakians deserve better than schools that collapse into rivers, roads that are half finished and public utilities that just don’t work.
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In reframing the struggle for autonomy as one that must be fought by all Sarawakians, Adenan is showing a kind of leadership that Sarawak has never known before. Perhaps his name will go down in history as the father of modern Sarawak.