Abang Jo accepts Soon Koh’s decision to resign from state cabinet

Abang Johari fielding questions from the media.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, July 16: Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB)’s recent moves ever since its rebranding exercise may not be politically correct, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari was responding to questions from the media about Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh’s decision to resign from the state cabinet.

Noting Wong’s enormous contribution to Sarawak not only as a State Cabinet member but also as speaker of the state, he said that he will respect Wong’s decision to step down.

“We must respect his decision. That is his choice. I am sure being an experienced politician, he has his own reasons,” he said.

“He has contributed a lot to the state and we must acknowledge the contributions of Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh to the stability of the government before,” he pointed out.

Abang Johari was met after officiating at the 11th International Conference on Information Technology in Asia 2019 (CITA ’19) which was organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) at a hotel here today.

The chief minister confirmed that he will be meeting Wong, who is also PSB president, in a few days.

Whether the meeting will include discussion on matters pertaining to the state’s finances prior to handing over the account books as well as Wong’s decision to resign, Abang Johari just briefly remarked: “We will see lah when I meet him.”

On Wong’s replacement, the chief minister added: “He has not even seen me, how can I (talk about this).”

As to whether he was saddened or disappointed, Abang Johari reiterated that Wong and PSB’s recent political events may not be politically correct.

On the matter of a possible cabinet reshuffle, he did not elaborate, saying he also does not know yet.