Sarawak Tribune caught up with Dr Hazland Abang Hipni during a break at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting for a quick chat.
The Demak Laut assemblyman opened up about what’s been keeping him busy—from green initiatives to going digital.
Here’s what he had to say in the casual catch-up.
Sarawak Tribune: Looking back at your time in the assembly so far, is there any moment or achievement that stands out to you?
Dr Hazland: I am most proud of the Bako Bridge Project which was approved by the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem or better known as ‘Tok Nan’ after being rejected by the federal government.
That was my biggest project in the constituency since I became the assemblyman in 2011.
After that, there is a second bridge, the Sejingkat Tanjung Bako Bridge, which is now under construction.
Sarawak Tribune: Who do you usually hang out with during breaks in DUN? Any regular ‘makan’ (eating) buddies?
Dr Hazland: No, I eat with anybody. Could be my fellow assemblymen, ministers, or my ministry’s staff.
It could be those from my constituency. So I’m open and welcome the company of any person. I belong to everybody.
Sarawak Tribune: If your political journey is a movie, what would the title be?
Dr Hazland: Net-Zero, because I’m the Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability. So my focus is to make sure there is a carbon emission reduction by 2050. So that it becomes zero.
Sarawak Tribune: What is the best advice someone in politics has ever given you?
Dr Hazland: Work sincerely, honestly, and be humble.
Sarawak Tribune: Has there been a moment in this sitting that made you feel especially proud or emotional?
Dr Hazland: Maybe during Tuesday sitting especially when I answered the fifth question on microalgae.
Because if Sarawak succeeds in doing this project, this will be a new revenue.
Big revenue, not only for the government, but also for the people because the microalgae cultivation can be done by the public.
Sarawak Tribune: How do you juggle family life with these long days in the assembly?
Dr Hazland: So far that is not a problem because my children are all grown up already.
Even my youngest is done with Masters and so on.
I’ve got grandchildren already and it’s natural for me as I consider it partly as a hobby because I like being with the people.
