SIBU, April 12 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud's 30-year tenure has been turned into a burning issue by the opposition in the Sarawak state election, polling of which is on Saturday.
More often than not, DAP leaders do not call the 74-year old veteran leader who has been responsible for the tremendous development of Sarawak by name but "pa moh" - referring to his silvery white-hair.
Despite Taib having announced that he will hand over power to his successor, who has yet to be named, the opposition front consisting of DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and PAS has not stopped kicking up dust on the subject.
Running out of substantial issues, it appears that the opposition has to make the best out of the situation to stir up sentiments, especially among the Chinese population.
It took Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to neutralise the issue with Najib saying that he and Taib had discussed the matter and would make an announcement at the appropriate time.
But Taib's extended reign is not the only debate, as the opposition is also training its guns on the tenure of other state leaders like deputy chief ministers Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.
Dr Chan heads the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) while Jabu is one of two deputy presidents of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the backbone of the State Barisan Nasional (BN). SUPP is the second biggest component in the State BN.
Dr Chan said to SUPP's supporters and sympathisers, Taib's strong leadership was still needed at least for now as he (Taib) always adopted a balanced approach in handling delicate ethnic issues.
"He can go with ease to various places in the state, whether longhouses or houses of worship. He is a moderate leader who bonds well with various groups," he said.
Former Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing, can attest to Taib's attributes. He said the government contributed to the building of various houses of worship in the state, such as the St Peter/St Paul Church in Mukah, a Melanau heartland in Sarawak's central region.
"Taib even had a hand in the design of the church which gives better functionality to its structure. That is why we invited him to officiate the opening of the church," said Aidan, who also hails from Mukah and is board chairman of Mukah Catholic Church Charitable Trust.
Such balancing act augurs well for the multi-racial and laid-back society in Sarawak where religious diversity and differences are not an issue.
Within the local political context, Taib's strong leadership has also kept the current political status-quo in check from outside influence.
Sarawak Minister of Housing and Urban Development Datuk Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, reported to be in the front line to take over from Taib, said the opposition had been attacking the moderate stance of the state government in matters of race and religion.
"When we (Muslim leaders) open a church, they (opposition) say we are not Muslims. When I went to officiate a Chinese school, they said I'm pro-Chinese.
"For us here, it is normal, but for these opposition parties, they try to create an issue and stir up emotions among the various ethnic groups," he said.
SUPP's publicity chief Daniel Ngieng said the reason for DAP to pick on the "Pa Moh" issue was to stir up Chinese sentiments.
"To me, what is more important is whether the Chinese want bigger representation in the government for their long term benefit or just to ride on their emotions and lose everything later," he said.
Ngieng said if the opposition wants to talk about Taib overstaying his welcome, they should go to the mirror and look at themselves.
"They will see their veteran leaders stand out very clearly such as Lim Kit Siang who has been dominating DAP for 42 years and DAP chairman Karpal Singh who has been around 32 years," he said.
Ngieng said the DAP was only contesting in 15 seats and if it was serious about toppling Taib, the party should have contested the Balingian seat (Taib's seat).
"Taib will stay on as 56 bumiputera seats are in the hands of the BN. That is why we believe the DAP has a covert agenda. After the election, they will go back to KL (Kuala Lumpur). Then who is going to defend the Chinese's interest here?," he asked.
Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/56059
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