IS MUSA AMAN SABAH’S FUTURE?

By : SELVARAJA SOMIAH

WHATEVER be the respective political orientations, I like the men who are men: those who stand by whatever they believe in and take on the world, if needed.

My earliest memory of Musa Aman is as the USNO (United Sabah National Organisation) strategist and financier. What I liked most about him was his precise, distinct, direct, and disciplined use of words and his honest belief in whatever he said.

It was around 20 years back that he got his share of whatever happened in Sabah. But he never complained in frustration. You need real fortitude and determination to be a Musa Aman!

And this is the reason that when he says “Actually, I have not spent a single minute on my image and that can also be a reason. I am busy with my work. I am committed to Sabah. I am dedicated to Sabah. I never talk about my image. I never spent a single minute for my image and therefore confusions may be there” in his recent interview with me, no one can question his dedication.

One can’t ignore the fact that today Sabah is flourishing. It stands third among the states that contribute most to the national GDP. The state reserve is around RM3 billion now and was only mere RM180 million when Musa first took over as Chief Minister in 2003. Even Yayasan Sabah which was in dire financial situation and massive staff retrenchment 10 years ago today is one of the most successful state agencies in Malaysia with over RM10 billion in assets and about RM 1.5 billion in cash.

Sabah is one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment in Malaysia and it is on Penang’s path adhering to the principles of Competency, Accountability and Transparency.

Sabah is one of the best-administered state in Malaysia now. Under the leadership of Musa Sabah was the only state in the country, other than Penang that has been given 5-star rating in good financial management by the Auditor General of Malaysia.

Even UMS (University Sabah), on many occasions, declared that Musa is the most efficient chief minister Sabah has ever seen since formation of Malaysia 1963. These things became possible only because he is successful in giving clean, effective and progressive governance over last eight years.

Musa is an agent of change. He is the best thing to have happened to Sabah in decades. He is the only one who could banish poverty from Sabah. He is the leader Sabah has been waiting for all these years. He is the hope and future.

Outside Sabah many may like to hate Musa but whoever visits Sabah once, can’t stop praising its growth, road, infrastructure, its natural beauty etc. that in a democratic and dynamic country, masses have the last word and masses always override media and other speculations. The truth will finally dawn on the people. It’s the people of Sabah who will decide the fate of the ‘modern day Nero’ Musa Aman.