Adenan achieved much in his short tenure as chief minister — Nancy

KUCHING: Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has achieved a lot during his short tenure as chief minister and most of his policies have greatly impacted Sarawak.

According to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Nancy Shukri, his measures had helped a lot of people especially those in the middle and low-income groups to overcome rising cost of living.

“The abolishment of tolls throughout the state, for example, is a good point. Those who can afford it will not really feel the difference but it is felt by those in the middle and lowincome groups,” said Nancy, who is also Batang Sadong MP when met at the Samariang Cemetery here yesterday.

She added that his effort to ensure that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is adhered to, and his fighting spirit to fight for autonomy for Sarawak, must be continued by his successor.

“We really feel his demise has left major impact on Sarawak and its people,” she added.

Second Minister of Resources Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said he admired Adenan whom he described as an intellectual person.

“I was close to him and he was a mentor to me in the political arena apart from the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud the former chief minister,” said Awang Tengah.

Awang Tengah also expresed his confidence that the state government would continue Adenan’s legacy, especially to eradicate poverty and improve the lives of those in the rural areas.

“He had paved the way and we will continue his fight for a better Sarawak,” he said.

Meanwhile, chief political secretary to the chief minister, Abdullah Saidol, said a phone call from Adenan several days ago was his last conversation with him.

“He directed me to handle a few matters and it was his last task given to me,” said Abdullah, who said the conversation was different for they talked for quiet sometime, something that Adenan seldom did with him.

Abdullah said Adenan advised him to love the state as much as he did, saying the advice was something that he would share with everyone especially those in the BN Backbenchers Club.

Describing Adenan’s demise as shocking, Abdullah said it was also something that was very hard to accept, especially after he had started a big impact and a phenomenon in Sarawak.

“We all have to accept it that God loves him more. He was a humble man, sometimes ignoring protocols and putting himself level as everyone else.

“He was a true blue Sarawakian who always put the people first in his mind,” he added.