9/7/09 DATO' RASHIDI.....red-white heart!

Pisang emas dibawa belayar
Masak sebiji atas peti
Hutang emas boleh dibayar (syarat tak bengkrap)
Hutang budi dibawa mati (insyaAllah tak tergadai body!)

Kalau ada sumur diladang (orang dah pakai paip dah!)
Boleh kita numpang mandi
Kalau ada umur panjang (dan duit!)
Boleh kita jumpa lagi (minum kopi!)

The initiation of the Beladin-Triso Project if not mistaken began in 1988. Only in 1994 (?) through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Technical Assistance (TA), a proper Project Plan was developed, and was named the Lower Saribas IADP as the continuation of the Kalaka-Saribas IADP which started in 1984. In 1996 (?) if not mistaken both the ADB and Economic Planning Unit (EPU) had agreed for the Implementation of the Project, with huge funding both as grant and loan was approved. ADB interest for the Project was based on the EPU and the State Government (GOS) agreeable for the Project to take a different Management Model, ie through Private Sector Partnership with the people. At that time Tradewind and Sarawak Land Development Board (SLDB) were tasked to implement the Project. This was to ensure a more efficient implementation and to relief the Federal Government from bearing the high Operation Cost (OPEX).

(2) In 1998, I was happy to see that an agreement was almost locked in for the Implementation of the Project. During one of the negotiation, I remember Dato' Rashidi who was with Tradewind at that moment was among the officials whom have shook hands for the implementation of the Project. But unfortunately, which I don't really understand (with deep regret), the Project never took off the ground. (Note: Pusa, in the 1980s were among the top poverty area in the State, thus I could see, with the no go, Poverty seem to take it long course again!)

(3) In around 2006, the Chief Minister had requested me to look around to assist Tabung Haji (TH) for some investment. I raised to him the issue of Beladin Project, and he agreed for TH to take up the Project. Thus, urgently I went over to TH, and was supprised to meet Dato' Rashidi, and, may be due to his Kelantanese blood and my small association with the Kelantanese, with straight talk, within less than 10 minutes, we shook hand and agreed for the Project to be Implemented. But this time, fully through private sector funding. (Note: Kelantanese blood and association: associated with the understanding of the misery of poverty and hardship of the people, especially in Kelantan, before the 1980s, that move us to get the Project quickly done)

(4) Dato' Rashidi, here I would like to thanks for his fast and courageous decission to take up the Project, despite it is on marginal soil and a bit isolated. In fact before that I've talked to many 'big boys' about the area, but all say 'thank you!'. I love his fast thinking and determine working style. Now (since 2007), the immediate effect of the Project is the progressively improvement of the Beladin and Pusa economy. At least the women and the aging rural population of the area have an alternative to earn their living.

(5) Dato' Rashidi, had now decided to retire and hopefully all his red-white heart and efforts be blessed by Him, and I wish him a happy life and in great health forever. At least Dato', we have team up to light the life of the people in Triso-Beladin-Pusa-Kabong better. I believe their happiness make our mind young and active forever! I really honored to have served together with you!

Sibu, Sarawak
14 July, 2009