By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 9: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s decision to switch seats and contest in Gedong in the coming Sarawak election is to bring rural development and not due to fear of losing the contest in Satok.
The chief minister pointed out that his predecessors namely Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem also switched seats during their time.
Taib moved from Asajaya to Mukah while the late Adenan moved from Muara Tuang to Tanjong Datu.
Abang Johari further explained that two years ago, Gedong incumbent Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais requested him to consider switching seats and assisting the rural areas.
“Naroden requested me to accelerate rural development especially in Gedong, Simunjan, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya and Sebuyau loop. And due to that, I considered moving to Gedong.
“If that is considered ‘fear of losing’, were (Taib and Adenan) scared of losing too? No. This (switching of seats) was due to the locals’ demand for development,” he said.
He said this when speaking during a virtual political talk organised by Jiwa Bakti and Utusan Sarawak today.
He added that the rumours of him being scared of losing in Satok was just political spin on social media as the State polls is just around the corner.
“However, do not underrate the people’s intelligence because they can think well,” he emphasised.
Abang Johari chose to contest in Gedong, a rural constituency, after serving nine terms as the Satok elected representative. — DayakDaily
