12th September, 2012
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah, which gained independence 49 years ago through the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, has a long and colourful history, particularly in the political arena.
In almost five decades, at least 14 Chief Ministers had successively held the coveted post which also saw the State Government changing hands a few times in a dramatic manner.
However, all the previous state leaders held the chief minister’s post for less than 10 years or a decade, except for current Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman who is holding the post for about nine years now.
The first Chief Minister after the state joined to form Malaysia in 1963 was Datuk Donald Stephens (1963-1964), followed by Datuk Peter Lo Sui Yin (1965-67), Datu (later Tun) Mustapha Datu Harun (1967-1975), Datuk (later Tun) Mohd Said Keruak (1975-1976), Tun Mohd Fuad Stephens (1976-44 days), Datuk (now Tan Sri) Harris Salleh (1976-85), Datuk (now Tan Sri) Joseph Pairin Kitingan (1985-1994) and Datuk (later Tun) Sakaran Dandai (1994-1995).
A unique rotation system introduced by the then Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad in 1995 which was primarily aimed at sharing power among the three main communities of the non-Muslim Bumiputeras, Muslim Bumiputeras and the Chinese, saw Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said becoming Chief Minister of Sabah from 1995 to 1996 followed by Datuk Yong Teck Lee (1996-1998), Datuk (now Tan Sri) Bernard Dompok (1998), Datuk Seri Osu Sukam (1999-2001), Datuk (now Tan Sri) Chong Kah Kiat (2001-2003) and Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman (from March 27, 2003 until now).
However, the rotation system was abolished in 2005 following BN’s landslide victory in Sabah in the 2004 general election, and based on these records, there were only three chief ministers of Sabah, Datu Mustapha, Harris and Pairin who came close to hitting or surpassing the 10-year mark.
Buoyed by the favourable political and economic climate prevailing in the state now, many political pundits predict that Musa will become the first Sabah chief minister to break the 10-year chief minister’s tenure “jinx”.
Political analyst Salman Nurillah said the fact that Musa managed the state well is “because he is the Chief Minister for all”.
“Politics is all about perception and we can’t avoid when people voice out their grievances through their own perception. While we can’t please everyone, leaders are considered successful when they can bring development.
“Some people say that leaders tend to monopolise everything and do not divide the wealth of the state equally. In this case, if some areas are less developed, it’s all due to the elected people’s representatives representing the areas who fail to deliver. Then, it’s not fair to put the blame totally on the Chief Minister as the head of the government,” he told Bernama.
Salman, a former civil servant with a law degree from Universiti Malaya and a Master’s degree from UiTM, opined that “there is no political leader in Sabah who has been as popular as Musa, particularly after UMNO/BN came into power in the state in 1994”.
“Even prior to that, the popularity of the previous chief ministers, including Tan Sri Harris Salleh during Parti Berjaya’s time was not as good as what Musa is enjoying now,” he said, adding that “Musa has charmed the poor and natives and his influence is not limited toUMNO supporters”.
For the last five years, Musa has communicated with the people through the language of development, and that has clicked well with them because the subtext of his act says that “under Musa’s rule, you can make money and have a comfortable life without many political, communal or social disturbances”.
“To me, Musa has managed the state wisely in bringing development to the state physically and politically. Musa knows about the people’s needs as for the last nine years, several ideas have been implemented such as drawing foreign direct investment (FDI) to the state and promoting Sabah as an educational hub (Sandakan),” said Salman.
“Even our Prime Minister was so impressed with his contribution, particularly during his visit to Sandakan recently.
“Keenly aware of the importance of education in producing sufficient skilled human capital to spur development, Musa saw to the materialisation of two educational institutions which have already started operations, the School of Sustainable Agriculture under Universiti Malaysia Sabah and the Sandakan Polytechnic, while the Mara Junior Science College is scheduled to open soon.”
Salman said politically, Musa is in a very good position as he did not rule the state by giving priority to one particular race and sidelining the other races.
“All these show that Musa is almost certain to break the 10-year Sabah chief minister’s tenure jinx,” he said.
Meanwhile, corporate figure Roselan Johar Mohamed said running Sabah was just like running a huge company.
“If the books are in order, then it will augur well for the prosperity of the state. Initially, Musa has sacrificed much of his popularity just to maintain a tight balance sheet.
“So, when the Auditor-General commented that Sabah was in good shape and in good hands, Musa’s popularity made a comeback and was enhanced further.
“Sabah has attracted lots of visitors (both foreign and domestic) and investors from all over the world.
“Just look at the statistics of incoming tourists and the massive construction projects all over the state. These are tell-tale signs that we are in good hands and there is no reason whatsoever to ask for change. Why repair if it is not broken?” he said.
Roselan said every business sector was prospering and new sectors were being developed. Lately, many domestic visitors are saying: “Sekarang susah mahu cari makan di Selangor. Sabah lagi bagus!” (it is difficult to do business in Selangor, Sabah is much better!).
“Now this is a typical statement we hear from visiting businessmen from the other states. Whatever we hear about the opposition gaining momentum in Sabah is just wishful thinking,” said Roselan.
“Changing a capable leader is like taking a huge unnecessary risk. The good effect is very rare. We should always count our blessings and consider our good progress as a gift from God,” he said.
Sabah veteran leader Tan Sri Herman Luping was recently quoted as saying that Musa’s financial management of the Sabah government’s coffers and his forest management policies were rated the best in the country.
He said Musa, who has helmed the state government since the past nine years, had not only ensured that the state prosper, but had also brought more political stability, prosperity and infrastructural development to the state.
“Sabah under him (Musa) is definitely in rapid progress mode,” Luping was further quoted as saying.
Sabah veteran journalist Emin Madi, in concurrence with Salman’s opinion, said it was fair to say that Musa is genuinely committed to meeting the expectations of not only the rakyat but members and supporters of the state BN component parties.
“Secondly, he’s a result-oriented leader who is not shy to practise hands-on approach to solve problems. A case in point is how he handled the problematic Sabah Rubber Industry Board.
“With a population of more than three million and eight BN component parties to be concerned with, I’m sure our chief minister is well aware of the challenges in delivering and bringing out the best for the people and the state,” he said.
In a nutshell, Musa’s administration which prioritises the unity of all, irrespective of race, colour or creed, has all-round support from the people of Sabah.
Reference: New Sabah Times
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