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.
Bernama
Wed Aug 19 2015

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

Lebanese search for dead in devastated villages as Israel withdraws
Hezbollah says Israel was still occupying Lebanese territory and put the onus on the Lebanese state to get Israeli forces out.

China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.

Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.

Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.

Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.

UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.

Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.

More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.

Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.

Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream [COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg)
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.

Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.

Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.

US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.

Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.

Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.

China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.

Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.

Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.