Is Malaysia's Longest Serving Chief Minister Finally Stepping Down?

It was meant to be a congratulatory message to Abdul Taib Mahmud on being appointed Sarawak governor on March 1. Unfortunately, a typo in the full-page advertisement in Sarawak daily Utusan Sarawak has put paid to that notion. Instead of saying 'Tahniah’ (congratulations), the advertisement had the word 'Tahinah' alongside a photo of Taib being sworn into his new post.

Worse, the advertisement was placed by Taib's own party, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), which leads the state BN coalition. The advertisement was published on page 10 of yesterday's edition of the Malay daily, which was established in the mid-1990s.

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Sarawak-based Malay daily Utusan Sarawak clarified that the spelling error in a congratulatory message to former chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on his appointment as Governor was nothing more than “a typo error”. “There’s nothing unusual about it other than an inadvertent typographical error,” affirmed its editorial consultant William Chan. “It was an innocent human error with no hidden agenda whatsoever,” he added.

It is believed that PBB prepared the artwork and proofread the advertisement before sending it to the paper for publication. “It's a PBB mistake but nonetheless we accepted responsibility (as the printer).”

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“We only came to know that it was turned into a ‘national issue of sort’ when we saw it being played out by the online news portal,” he added. Chan said Utusan had explained the error to Hanifah and she accepted the explanation.

Several protests were held in Kuching this morning against Abdul Taib Mahmud becoming Sarawak's governor. Organised by civil society movements, the protests comprised small groups armed with banners and posters.

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KUCHING: Protes membantah pelantikan Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud sebagai Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Dipertua Negeri Sarawak tidak mendapat sambutan.

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Menurut sumber, protes yang diadakan berlangsung di Kompleks Mahkamah Lama Kuching. Walaupun tidak berlaku di tempat yang dirancang, penganjur melakukannya secara ‘flashmob’.

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Meanwhile, Borneo Resources Institute Malaysia (Brimas) denied being involved in organising tomorrow’s rally. As for Taib’s appointment, Bujang said Brimas would submit a petition to the Yang di -Pertuan Agong based on the reports accusing the veteran politician of alleged corrupt practices. "We believe the king would examine the reports and with his good judgement, revoke the appointment of Taib as head of state. "It is fundamental that a head of state be cleared of any allegation of corruption and abuse of power," he added.

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In a bid to scupper outgoing Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s chance of being named Sarawak’s next governor, a group of Sarawakians handed today a formal protest letter to the National Palace seeking the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong’s royal intervention.

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Sarawak PKR deputy chief Zulrusdi Mohamad Hol who led the six-man group, told The Malay Mail Online that their letter was received amicably by a representative from the Conference of Rulers and a palace official. “Our memorandum was accepted by Datuk Sabtu Awab, the assistant secretary to the Council of Rulers,” said Zulrusdi.

“He promised to deliver the memorandum to His Royal Highness,” he added, referring to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim. This is not the first initiative by Sarawakians seeking to prevent Taib’s likely promotion to the state governorship.

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The group comprised Zulrusdi, the party’s state youth chief Ahmad Najib Johari, state PKR executive member Iswardy Morni and three non-partisan Sarawakians had also visited the office of the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal here this afternoon.

More than 50 NGOs, including Bersih Sibu and Suaram, and the youth wings of DAP, PAS and PKR are firmly against Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud being appointed as the next Yang Di-Pertua of Sarawak, saying it would be a "national disaster" if the current chief minister becomes the next governor. The NGOs opposed to Taib's appointment as Sarawak governor include Bersih Sibu, Save Malaysia Stop Lynas, Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, Suaram and Solidarity Anak Muda Malaysia, while the political party wings are DAP Socialist Youth, Keadilan Youth Movement, PAS Youth.

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This civil society group, launching an online petition to show thumbs down against the purported appointment, said Taib was guilty of corruption and exploitation during his 33 years in office. "He had exploited the natural resources of Sarawak excessively for his personal gain," the NGOs said. "Sarawak was said to have one of the highest forest clearing figures in Asia, with more than 90% of the forest lost to logging."

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The NGOs pointed out that Taib's administration had also embarked on mega-dam construction projects which were illogical economically and affected the natural environment in the state.

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"The irony is that Sarawak remains one of the poorest states in Malaysia, despite being rich in various natural resources," said the NGOs, adding that while Sarawak remained poor, Taib has become one of the richest men in Malaysia.

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The group pointed out that the position of Sarawak governor should be a symbol of unity for the people from all levels of the community. "It is clear that Taib, having inflicted so much misery and suffering on the people of Sarawak, is not qualified for this position," the NGOs said. There are also concerns that Taib intends to begin a political dynasty in Sarawak to strengthen and tighten his grip on the state in the years to come.

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The NGOs noted that the incoming chief minister, Tan Sri Adenan Satem, is Taib's former brother-in-law who is bound to protect him against any investigation or prosecution for wrong-doing during the latter's time in office.

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Seen as a snub to Putrajaya, new Sarawak chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem is a man from the same mould as the man who picked him – his predecessor Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud – say analysts.

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“It is a well-known fact that Putrajaya wanted to see Datuk Abang Johari Tun Openg as the next Sarawak chief minister. Ideally, he would have been the right choice because of his strong relationship with federal leaders. He's also deemed to be clean and not a controversial figure, like Taib.

“But when Putrajaya started pressuring Taib to step down, the chief minister, being the strong leader he is, did not take it lying down," the academic said, adding that "he started dictating terms to Putrajaya on when he would step down and who would succeed him".

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The analysts said the widely experienced Adenan can also hold his own against Putrajaya as Taib, who will step down as chief minister on February 28, only to become the Sarawak governor the same day and still hold the state's reins. “Now, Putrajaya will have to deal with a man in the mould of Taib. Like Taib, Adenan could develop a working relationship with them but he would not be subservient to them. He has what it takes to stand up to Putrajaya," analyst Dr Mohd Faisal Syam Abdol Hazis.

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Professor Dr James Chin from the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS) in Singapore agreed that Adenan was the best man for the job. “His heart problem does not make him an ideal choice. But if it is for an interim period, to take Barisan Nasional to the state elections, he is the best man for the job,” said Chin, who hails from Sarawak.

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KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has announced that his successor is to be Tan Sri Adenan Satem, after he announced that he has handed over his resignation letter dated Feb 28 to Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin.

“Adenan represents a kind of agreement between the three candidates (mentioned to succeed Taib as the chief minister,” Taib said. Taib said the selection of Adenan, who is also the assemblyman for Tanjung Datu, as his successor was also to make sure that the State Barisan Nasional
(BN) would continue to keep the team spirit that had been thriving among them over the last few years.

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However, Taib will leave it to Adenan's discretion on whether to vacate the Balingian seat that would trigger a by-election.

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He said that he was not sad to leave even after so many years at the helm as he believed that he was leaving the task of governing the State under good and experienced hands who could do their jobs well without him. In a joking tone, he said the only sad thing for him would be the pressure of the work as a chief minister. “I’m so used to working under pressure all the time so maybe I’m going to miss that. I’ve got to learn not to drive (at a) sports car’s speed... but a more sedan speed. It is more consistent to my age,” he
said.

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70-year-old Adenan Satem will take over as the Sarawak chief minister once Taib's resignation takes effect from Feb 28.

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Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who has been named successor to Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as Sarawak chief minister, has been described as the most ideal choice as he has enormous experience in administration at both state and federal levels.

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Adenan, who is Special Functions Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office , celebrated his 70th birthday on Jan 27, and has a colourful background. He had worked as a journalist, teacher as well as legal counsel and was appointed federal minister in 2004, as natural resources and environment minister.

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When the New Straits Times met him at his Yayasan Sarawak office, where he is the chairman, Adenan refused to comment on his appointment. "Not now. This isn't the time," he said.

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Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud today confirmed his retirement end of this month, for the first time putting a date on the end of his 50-year political career.

However, he said he would not name his successor tomorrow as speculated, as he needed to seek an audience with head of state Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Barieng first.

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While confirming that he will step down this month, Taib gave no dates. What he did tell reporters was that he preferred to do things “properly”. “You will see. I like to do things in proper sequence, yes? I need to see the governor first,” he said after meeting state Barisan National assemblymen and MPs here yesterday.

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The Sarawak chief minister will meet Yang DiPertua Negeri (TYT) Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng in the next “two or three days” when the TYT returns from his statewide Chinese New Year visit.

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Taib, 78, said he would tender his resignation and also submit the name of his successor at the meeting when answering reporters’ questions after chairing the state Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting where, as expected, he was given the mandate to pick his successor.

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Asked whether he would step down by the end of this month, Taib replied: "Yeah...I think so...so that I get a full salary for February."

Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) parties unanimously accepted today Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s decision to quit by month-end, paving the way for a by-election in the Balingian state seat he currently occupies.

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Taib, who is Balingian assemblyman since 2001, needs to resign as an elected representative soon if he is to be made the next state of head. Any resignation before June 20 will result in a by-election.

Sarawak Election Commission director Datuk Takun Sunggah said that under the state’s constitution, there would be no by-election if there was any casual vacancy within two years from the expiry of the State Legislative Assembly.

“The Sarawak assembly will expire on June 20, 2016. So the two-year period begins on June 21, 2014.

“If anyone resigns before June 20, there will be a by-election,” he told The Star via SMS.

With the current Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Muhammad Salahuddin’s term expiring on Feb 28, Taib is expected to take the oath as the next governor on March 1.

Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is leaving his post as chief minister with one advice to his successor – that whoever succeeds him must strive to keep Umno and its brand of racially divisive politics out of the state.

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Taib's remarks to the Barisan Nasional (BN) supreme council meeting yesterday made it clear that his successor “should stand tough and be unflinching” when dealing with Putrajaya on issues concerning Sarawak's interests.

Sarawak BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said Taib told yesterday’s meeting that his successor has to vigorously protect the state's rights as spelled out in the Malaysia Agreement of 1963.

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Rundi said standing up to Putrajaya included stopping Umno from coming to the state, which is widely seen as undermining the 20-point agreement which protects the interests and rights of Sabah and its people when the territory agreed to form Malaysia with Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore. Sabah has a 20-point agreement while Sarawak has a 18-point agreement for the formation of Malaysia.

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“In Sarawak, we tread a very thin line as we have to feel the sensitivity of the people from the various ethnic groups. There are over 40 ethnic groups in the state.

“Therefore, nobody else can understand this situation better than Sarawakians,” Wilfred Nisson, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) secretary-general.

After continual speculation on his future over the past few years, Sarawak strongman Tan Sri Taib Mahmud looks set to finally step down as Chief Minister and seems poised to take over as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

Many in the political and media circles became certain of his intention to quit as Chief Minister after the announcement that the term for the Head of State Tun Muhammad Salahuddin would be extended from Dec 5, 2013 to only Feb 28 this year. While some politicians are sure that Taib will bow out as the head of government to become the Tuan Yang Terutama, others say “it will not happen so soon”.

A son of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is implicated in a multi-million ringgit divorce settlement with his former wife, holds assets worth RM976mil to RM1.39bil, a Syariah Court here heard.

Certified accountant Andrew Heng, 39, said he took into consideration two assets owned by Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Abdul Taib Mahmud, which were an Audi car and the businessman’s stake in the Titanium Tower property at Brighton Square, Kuching.

“The figures are based on five components, which include the inheritance from Mahmud Abu Bekir’s late mother, oil palm land, shares in the 49 companies and, now, the Audi vehicle owned by Ivy Crafts Sdn Bhd, where he has 50% stake, and the Titanium Tower,” Heng said.

“The figures are now between RM976mil and RM1.39bil after taking into consideration the two assets,” said Heng, who was appointed by Shahnaz Abdul Majid, 50, to look into her former husband’s assets and values of his shareholdings in 49 companies in Malaysia.

All eyes are on Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as speculations are rife that the longest serving Sarawak chief minister will retire soon.

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Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to step down this month, after the Borneo Post reported the state assistant youth development minister as saying “it could be any time but it is definitely within this term”.

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Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah also hinted that the announcement would be made at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) meeting in Kuching this weekend. (Taib is PBB president.)

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“There must be something important the chief minister wants to relay,” he was quoted as saying. Karim said as much as he would like Taib to carry on, “age is catching up”.

Taib, 77, who has been holding the chief minister’s post for 33 years, is scheduled to meet all the members of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) Supreme Council on Saturday (February 8) and all the elected state Barisan Nasional (BN) members of parliament and state assemblymen on Sunday (February 9).

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“Yes, there will be meetings on February 8 and February 9 but I can’t reveal more than that. Please wait until the day itself (to find out),” a senior party leader told Bernama when contacted.

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The party insider explained that should Taib make his announcement to step aside, by procedure, “a caucus” headed by Deputy President 1 Tan Sri Alfred Jabu would likely be tasked to work out the transition plan as Taib would be leaving for an overseas trip afterwards.

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There are several talks on who is likely to become Taib’s successor. The first version is that State Housing and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also PBB Deputy President 2 would take over the state leadership.

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Another speculation is that former federal Natural Resources Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who has been brought back to the state Cabinet after the 2011 state election would become the next chief minister.

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Former federal government minister Datuk Effendi Norwawi, 66, is another potential candidate.

Taib, 78, had indicated during the 2011 state elections that this may be his last term. The mandate of the state government ends in 2016.

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In April 2011, Taib announced that he would retire in “two or three” years’ time, and that he might leave “mid-term”, without mentioning any specific dates.

Taib, who is also the state BN chairman, on several occasions has said he had already prepared and groomed an able leader to lead PBB and the state.

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However, the Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Abdullah Saidol, has recently denied such talk, saying that there was no truth to the conjecture.

Instead, he said the news was just a speculation played up in the social media as Taib himself had never made any announcement about it.

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“Let the chief minister decide when he wants to step down. And as president of PBB, he will consult with others in the party before making such a big decision,” Saidol was quoted as saying by local publication the Sarawak Daily, late last month.

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The 78-year-old, who assumed office 33 years ago on March 26, 1981, is a controversial figure and often accused of having enriched his family and relatives by awarding them lucrative state contracts.

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According to a series of leaked United States embassy cables published by WikiLeaks in August 2011, the US described him in one of the cables as "highly corrupt" and “Taib with his relatives were widely thought to have extracted a percentage from most major commercial contracts – including those for logging – awarded in the state (Sarawak)".