SIBU: Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday blasted state PKR chairman Baru Bian over his statement that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s barb at the opposition was “insincere and silly”.
Abdul Karim said the statement showed that Baru lacked understanding of what Adenan as the Chief Minister had done thus far to benefit people of Sarawak.
In a press statement, Baru had said he found Adenan’s latest jibe at the opposition on keeping Peninsular Malaysia based parties out of Sarawak rather “insincere and silly” although he had on many occasions tended to agree with the latter’s statements pertaining to the rights of Sarawakians.
The state PKR chief had also pointed out although Adenan had not said so, he (Adenan) did not have the power to restrict the registration of Umno or any other political party in any part of the federation under the laws of Malaysia, adding that the latter was conveniently letting the public labour under the misconception that he did have such power.
The Ba Kelalan assemblyman further said: “By saying ‘not allowing’, we mean that there is an understanding between the state BN and Umno that as long as PBB and its partners hold the majority of seats in Sarawak, Umno will not set up officially in Sarawak.”
On this, Abdul Karim who is Asajaya assemblyman said: “Baru’s latest comment reflects his shallow knowledge and understanding of what Adenan as CM has done this far.
“It was Adenan who as CEO of the state who specifically stated that Umno is not welcome in Sarawak. Not because the Law prohibits them, but because we have state BN parties; PBB, SUPP, PRS and SPDP that could look after Sarawak and its interest.”
The PBB Supreme Council member said these state parties were not proxies of Umno or BN as what Baru had tried to imply but they were on par with Umno and other components in the big BN family.
In fact, they manage and run the state within the powers allowed by the Constitution and in the spirit of the Federation of Malaysia, added Abdul Karim.
He noted even in determining candidates for elections, it is Adenan, as head of state BN, who will name and determine who would be contesting under the BN ticket.
“This is unlike PKR where recently, their national vice chairman Xavier (Jayakumar) had to fly down from KL to name who should be contesting under the PKR ticket for the forthcoming state election.
“This is a slap to all Sarawakians! Where is Baru Bian who is supposedly the chairman of Sarawak PKR? Even the candidate lists for the state election need endorsement and blessing from its headquarters in KL,” Abdul Karim said.
Baru had also said that the demands for increased oil royalty and the recognition of the UEC were rejected, and the use of the English language was met with either criticism or a deafening silence from the BN politicians.
To this, Abdul Karim said: “On autonomy and safeguard of state rights, CM Adenan has been vocal in voicing this out; in and outside of the DUN (State Legislative Assembly).
“Baru Bian knows it but chooses not to know.”
Abdul Karim recalled at its meeting in May 2014, the State Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the BN motion for increase of oil royalty from five per cent to 20 per cent, which the state was aggressively pushing for.
He further said in Dec last year, the legislative assembly again unanimously passed the BN motion to mandate the state government to take all measures to safeguard the special interest of Sarawak and its people.
He said Baru and his colleagues supported both motions together with the BN members.
“Why is he (Baru) singing a different tune now? Has he run out of issues? Is he so blind he could not see the many positive actions taken by Adenan in his just two years in office?
“Since attaining office, CM Adenan has stopped all new commercial plantations and has stopped the issuing of timber licences.
“Adenan has also got down hard on corruption, illegal loggings and illegal immigrants.
“He has also given specific instructions and allocation for perimeter survey to be conducted on NCR land. What do all these denote? Now, who is the real advocate for good governance and the natives?”
Abdul Karim lamented it was unfortunate that Baru, as a lawyer and people’s representative, could not see all these positive changes and reforms.
Furthermore, he said, Adenan had specifically stated that Hudud would never reach the shores of Sarawak.
“A number of religious bigots and those with extreme views that could harm the racial harmony of Sarawak are stopped from entering the state.
“I would advise Baru to be realistic and sincere in his crusade to Sarawak and all Sarawakians,” added Karim.
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