Just give me another five years as CM - Adenan Satem

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem does not envisage himself holding to the state chief executive post for many years to come.

"Just give me another five years. When the five years are over I will be 76. I do not want to stay on.

"I have been the chief minister now for over a year. I have done this and have done that. But I want to do some more to benefit the state and its people," he said when launching the commencement of upgrading works for three road projects costing a total of RM100 million, funded by the state government here today.

Sarawak held its state election in 2011 and the term of its current 71-seat state legislative assembly will expire by June next year.

The projects involved turning the Datuk Stephen Yong link road to Batu Kawa Road into a four-lane dual carriageway from currently two-lane single carriageway; constructing an underpass at Datuk Temenggong Abang Kapali Abang Akip interchange and upgrading of the Kubah Ria Road (from Semarakan traffic signal junction) to E-Mart Roundabout.

Adenan said Sarawak still needed a lot of catching up to do in terms of infrastructure and amenities.

"The Pan Borneo Highway, which costs RM15 billion, is a good example. This is a very major infrastructure project for us from the federal government," he said, adding that it was expected to be completed in six to seven years' time.

He said the state also planned to increase, by year's end, its welfare allowance to the needy due to the raising costs of living besides pursuing greater empowerment for the state.

"So I hope Sarawakians will give me another five year. Give me the mandate in the coming state election so that I can lead the state for five years to achieve all these," he said.