Master of the game, not a paymaster.

Once again the rumour mill appears to be on overdrive, discussing Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud's impending resignation as Chief Minister of Sarawak. 

The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu president and state Barisan Nasional chairman is said to be wanting to step down and that he had called for a meeting to discuss this with both his party leaders and the bigger BN family in Sarawak.

Pehin Sri Taib will turn 78 on next May 21. He is still as fit as a fiddle and enjoys a razor sharp mind. While his detractors are busy with their politics and polemics, Taib has been busy charting the future of Sarawak. 

The success of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and its spinoffs, both economic and social, is top most in his list of priorities. 

Who succeeds the grand old man has always been a concern among Malaysians because Taib's shoes are too big to be filled by just any other politician. 

Abdul Taib Mahmud is to Sarawak like what Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is to Malaysia. 

Many have learned, some the hard way, that it is impossible to dictate or read Taib. His focus and greatest concern is how best to ensure peace, stability and the prosperity of Sarawak. 

Certainly there are untold fears that the current racial-religious polemics, especially the brand of politics of hatred in the peninsula, could threaten the social fabric of the truly multiracial/multiethnic/multireligious 1Malaysia society of Sarawak. 

Taib is not a populist by any means but an old school politician who believes in discipline and loyalty. He has served all the Prime Ministers of this country, managing a cordial trustworthy relationship even at the worse of times. 

Sarawak could be the richest and the best managed state in the country but Taib doesn't flaunt the state coffers with handouts for political patronage. Ask any of his party leaders and members and they will relate to you the level of discipline in PBB. 

Many, especially the Opposition, will have ghost-stories to tell you about the lawyer who had once served as the Judge's Associate in the South Australian Government but each and every one of them will not be able to substantiate their tall tales about the man. 

So, who in the right frame of mind would think and/or believe that Taib Mahmud would let you dictate his next move or course of action? 

Taib is the master of his game, not a paymaster.