The Chief Minister of Sarawak is the head of the executive branch of the State Government in Sarawak. The Chief Minister is appointed by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Governor of Sarawak, from the state’s Legislative Council.
Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan (1920-1997) was the first Chief Minister (July 22, 1963 – September 1966) after the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963. He won big in the elections in 1962 and enable him to be appointed as the first Chief Minister of Sarawak. In 1963, the British colonies in Southeast Asia namely Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya to form Malaysia.
After that is held by Dato ‘Penghulu Tawi Sli (born June 12, 1912, died 1987) was the second Chief Minister of Sarawak from the Dayak tribe and after that held by the Chief Minister from the indigenous Muslims since 1970 until now. No racial and religious issues in Sarawak because the community of Sarawak is more tolerant of each other.
Sarawak PAS is generally thought that anyone could be appointed as the Chief Minister as long as it is acceptable to all communities regardless of race and color, which is essential they are competent, honest, trustworthy, selfless, and fair to all as recommended in Islamic teachings.
Basically Sarawak PAS preferred choice of a Muslim regardless of any races to the position of the Chief Minister of Sarawak In fact in the constitution does not specify races and religion to hold the post of Chief Minister.
Sarawak PAS as an Islamic party that upholds the Qur’an and Sunnah and its teachings are confident that Islam is more concerned with the characteristics of a leader who is righteous because it not only can administer fair and In fact trust in managing the country’s treasury and refuse the elements of corruption, abuse of power and oppress the people.
Islam teaches its followers to elect a fair leader to all and this is a responsibility that cannot be denied again for everyone who expresses the two kalimah Syahadah, because the leader is the vicegerent of God that led on God’s earth.
Islam that championed and practiced by PAS is a complete Islamic encompass all matters whether related to religious, political, economic, educational, social, moral and so on. It is sourced from the Qur’an and Hadith. Flyers brought by PAS rather than the designs of the leaders but based on what is taught by the Prophet Muhammad.
History has proven that righteous Muslim leaders is fair to all. For example the Muslim government in Spain has been able to present an inter-religious tolerance is very high. Under the Islamic rule in Spain, the Jews and Christians can live in peace and glory. Even ‘The Golden Age of Jewish History’ was during the reign of Islam in Spain. Until famous Jewish scholar Personality Musa bin MAIMUN (Moses Maimonides) assume that Islamic rule in Spain was ‘the golden age of freedom and tolerance’ to the Jew.
Likewise Christians, they enjoy religious rights and mingle with all the people without tyranny and oppression. This is a fact of history. Thus, many of the people of Spain converted to Islam voluntarily without any coercion because it forces someone converted to Islam is wrong and contradicts the basic commands of the Qur’an.
Sarawak PAS confident of the attribute and character of a Muslim leader who assumed the position of Chief Minister of Sarawak able to unite the whole people of different racial, ethnic and religious to live in harmony, mutual respect for each other and enjoy a happy life in this world and hereafter.
The Muslim leaders that is trustworthy, honest and fair to all is better than a Muslim only in name but not implement true Islam in daily life. To that non-Muslims do not have to worry and fear of the Muslim leadership that is trust and fair to lead this country, the nearest such example is the Tok Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, which led the Kelantan more than 23 years, no corruption, does not taking advantage accumulate wealth for himself and family, but more importantly the welfare of the people.
Features of this kind of leadership that should have in a Chief Minister of Sarawak, irrespective of race and ideological. The Chief Minister should be fair for all not just selfish and only partisan, racist attitudes and only selfish causes the people are tired and hate the attitude of the Chief Minister of the sort.
If Pakatan Rakyat ruled Sarawak, we wish the Chief Minister continues to be led by a Muslim who is competent, trustworthy, honest and fair to all regardless of race and color. Islamic teachings is more universal regardless of race and Islam prohibits its followers persecuting other religions.
Indeed Islam is suitable for all races, Islam is not a means to force other religions to convert to Islam. Freedom of religion is preserved, and guarantees the believer and that non-Muslims to always live in peace and harmony always. So there’s no excuse for their anti-Islamic to scare other faiths to fear and hate of Islam.
PAS slogan for all and blessings to all, regardless of race, religion and political affiliation is ideal with Sarawak with multiple races and religious beliefs.
Haji Adam Ahid
Sarawak PAS Commissioner
