Contrary to popular belief, Sarawak DAP believes that newly-appointed Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem is not a puppet of the former chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Many in the political area in the state believe that Taib will have a hand in everything that Adenan decides on or undertakes.

This is because of the Adenan-Taib family ties, with Adenan being a former brother-in- law as well as former special adviser to Taib during his chief ministership.

Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen said today: “I am of the opinion that Adenan has a mind of his own and will not easily be controlled like a puppet by Taib. However, only time will tell.”
 
Congratulating Adenan on his appointment, Chong (left) said: “On his cabinet line-up, we wish to express our disappointment that the three important portfolios of chief minister, finance minister and resource planning  are under one person.

“The post of finance minister is very important and any parliamentary democracy will demand that the posts of chief minister and finance minister not be held by one person, so as to provide a check-and-balance in the cabinet.”

As far as DAP is concerned, he added, the party would cooperate with Adenan on the basis of equality, justice and fairness for the betterment of Sarawak.

'Cancel the two building projects'

Chong, who is the MP for Bandar Kuching and Kota Sentosa assemblyperson, also called on Adenan to cancel two additional buildings for the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA).

These two complexes, to be built at Isthmus Kuching, are to cost RM146 million and to Chong, are a waste of money.

“What is the necessity to build these two buildings when SEDC and LCDA have already their own headquarters?” he asked.

Chong said the two projects would only benefit Cahaya Mata Sarawak (CMS), the company owned by the Taib family members.

CMS owns several hundred hectares of land at Isthmus Kuching and has been appointed the contractor for the two new SEDC and LCDA buildings.

“LCDA owns Wisma Pelita, which is now occupied by the Land and Survey Department and the complex is largely underutilised,” said Chong, adding that SEDC too had its own headquarters, which is Sarawak Plaza.