ANALYSIS Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud’s unexpected announcement yesterday of Special Functions Minister Adenan Satem as the next chief minister, instead of on Saturday as he promised earlier, is seen as a pre-emptive strike to forestall any pressure from Umno.

Taib met Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Abang Muhamad Salahuddin Abang Barieng  at 3pm yesterday and handed over his letter of resignation, effective Feb 28, and informed Abang Muhamad that Adenan would replace him as chief minister...