What we learn from Adenan?

Sin Chew, May 12^th 2016.

In the 11th Sarawak state election, the public saw the bright side of our Malaysian politics. It was from the two-year policies implemented by Adenan and his election manifesto emphasizing on multiracial, fairness and moderate values which were very well received, acknowledged positively and supported by the Rakyat.

Adenan’s election team consisted of members from various political parties with multiracial candidates made up by the indigenous people of Sarawak, Malay and Chinese. This reflected the uniqueness of different races living in harmony. Basically the right of all Sarawakians is recognized and respected having fair treatment under the administration of Adenan.

Secondly, Adenan treated the Sarawakians fairly. Such as emphasis on autonomy for the people of Sarawak. This autonomy is guaranteed in the Federal Constitution when Malaysia was formed in 1963. However this was not focused and implemented under the Federal policy. This caused anger and displeasure in Sarawakians. The displeasure also involved education such as the issue of recognition of UEC. UEC was already recognized by many top international universities abroad which accepted students from Chinese Independent High School. However its recognition locally was still in the stage of consideration by the Federal government. It shows that the government is not keen in recognizing it for the sake of education but more under the influence of other factors like racial and political interests. The government denied the position and educational standard of Chinese Independent High School and thus it was not treated fairly under the national educational system.

Two years ago when Adenan became the Chief Minister, he had already noticed the shortcoming. He boldly and persistently started to treat the educational issue fairly. He not only allocated huge sums of money to nine Chinese Independent High Schools, he also recognized UEC in the state of Sarawak. This measure enables the UEC students to further their tertiary studies in public or private institutions of higher learning in their home state as well as opportunities to be absorb into the state civil service. This measure moved the Chinese Sarawakians deeply because the dignity, status and rights of the race to enjoy as a true citizen were finally given!

In the recent Sarawak state election, Adenan avoided mentioning issues of racial and religious conflicts to garner supporting votes. It implied that he was upholding the principle of true moderation.

Both racial and religious issues are common sensitive issues used to be highlighted by political parties from both divide in Peninsular Malaysia. Whether it is a general or state election in West Malaysia, they will play with such sensitive issues to gain political mileage and support from the Rakyat.

Malaysia is a secular state which exercises moderation. All races, religions and mother tongue languages can be practiced and is guaranteed under the Constitution. Every citizen enjoys the freedom of religious practice and the right to learn or practice their own language freely. If all politicians and their leaders uphold such spirit and beliefs,   treating all races equally when implementing national policy, the spirit of moderation will naturally bring in positive contributions.

The various policies implemented by Adenan in the past two years and the election manifesto which will be implemented later have already ignited the ray of hope for the Rakyat. Hence it is not a surprise Adenan and his team won a landslide victory in the recent state election.