Talks on devolution of power highlight of Adenan Satem's leadership

Negotiations on the devolution of power from the federal government to the Sarawak state government is seen as the highlight of the leadership of Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem prior to his death yesterday.

Adenan passed away at 1.24pm yesterday at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan, near Kuching, due to heart complications.

Talks between him and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak involved three main phases, with the first phase on Jan 20 last year and the second phase on July 4.

The first phase saw the federal government agreeing to 13 matters on the devolution of administrative power to the state government, while the second phase talks witnessed Adenan fine-tuning the matter and on delegation of power.

During a press conference at his Open House at the Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching in July last year, Adenan expressed his happiness over the positive response from the federal government at the meeting.

He said Najib suggested that he form a committee of federal officers, especially lawyers, Attorney-General and the Sarawak Attorney-General.

Meanwhile, a lecturer at the Department of Socio-Culture, Universiti Malaya, Assoc Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the devolution of power from the federal government to the Sarawak state government was now in the final stage of negotiation.

He said Adenan's death was a big loss to the country and Sarawak, particularly.

Regarding Adenan as the 'Father of Sarawak Autonomy', Awang Azman said among Adenan's landmark policies since he took over the state leadership two years ago were on Sarawak's autonomy in various aspects, including natural resources, legal and social education.

"He was also the 'Father of Sarawak Unity', for having united the people of Sarawak that even the opposition approved of his attitude and policies.

"His contribution to Sarawak was making the people in the state aware of their rights as contained in the Malaysia Agreement 1963," he added.

Adenan took over as Sarawak Chief Minister from Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud on Feb 28, 2014. -- BERNAMA