LUNDU: The coming state election will be Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s last, and his most important one.
Having contested 11 times in previous elections, the Sarawak chief minister said he needed the next five years to develop Sarawak to its full potential.
Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony here to build a waterfront, Adenan said he had done a lot more than most chief ministers in the last two years and added that it was time for him to retire and play with his grandchildren.
“I am already 72 and in five more years, I will be 77. Enough la, I am already old. I have already contested 11 times for state seats.
“Seven in Samarahan, once in Batang Sadong and three times here in Tanjung Datu and all of you have received me well,” he said.
However, he said he would give his best to the state before giving up his position.
“In the last two years, I have made and implemented over 50 significant developments and managed to get RM1bil from the Federal Government for the rural development here.
“So in the next five years, I want to make sure that Sarawak has all the facilities it needs.
“I want to make sure that the people here are not lacking in any way,” he said, adding that he would need continued support to enable him to carry out his duties.
Stating that he was maintaining a healthy relationship with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for the sake of the state’s development, Adenan said he had asked the Federal Government to return full autonomy to the state.
“I have been speaking to the Federal Government and I am in negotiations so that all powers belonging to Sarawak are returned to the state.
“The Prime Minister has said that this can be negotiated and that is why I am asking for another five years,” he said.-thestar
