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Pahang MB too arrogant, can’t take criticism, says Utusan

MB Pahang bersumpah tidak terima rasuah pekebun Cameron Highlands

Utusan Malaysia today took a swipe at Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob for attacking the Malay daily after it carried hard-hitting reports about Cameron Highlands.

Awang Selamat, in the weekend edition Mingguan Malaysia, said Adnan was a menteri besar who has overstayed his welcome and too ensconced in his comfort zone that he was unable to take criticism positively.

It said Adnan was angry over a news report about the influx of 30,000 Bangladeshi workers in Cameron Highlands and attacked the media such as Utusan for carrying it.

"Awang can't believe that a menteri besar of his stature can think that way. That there is some hidden agendas in the report.

"This is the problem when one is in power for too long. One becomes afraid of one's own shadow. A caterpillar is thought to be a snake," said Awang, the pseudonym used by Mingguan Malaysia editors in their weekly editorial.

The Umno-owned newspaper said Adnan should learn from other menteris besar who were able to take criticism or bad reporting in their areas positively.

"There were far worse reports about other states but none of the menteris besar jumped (like Adnan)."

As a media organisation, Awang said Utusan had the right to slam Adnan for his arrogance and for using his political power to bully the media.

"Because he is arrogant, Utusan Malaysia has the right to refute him. Using political power to bully the media should never be encouraged," said Awang.

The columnist added that based on feedback from other media organisations in Pahang, this was not the first time Adnan has attacked and insulted the media.

He said journalists were more comfortable dealing with the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah and Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah because they were said to be more friendly, approachable and people-oriented.

"There is no doubt that Adnan contributes but Pahang has not changed much since he took over as menteri besar in 1999. There is no 'wow' factor that can be proud of.

"Weaknesses in his administration are apparent and have been the talk of the town for some time. One should look in the mirror first before attacking others," said Awang, pointing out unresolved land issues, such as illegal clearing of forest reserves and government land as some of the examples.

"Other states have changed their menteri besar but Pahang is still being governed by the same person who is becoming less popular among its people."

Awang said, as a leader, Adnan should understand that perhaps it was time for him to step down and avoid becoming “a liability to the party and state”.

"Some say that Adnan's political survival is dependent on the sultan of Pahang but in a democracy, it is still the people's vote that matters.

"Adnan may be uncomfortable with this, but Awang thinks he is not the type who can’t accept reality." – November 9, 2014.