CM promises to push for more Sarawakian federal ministers if state BN exceeds 28-seat target

A light moment at the dining table. From front left: International Trade and E-Commerce Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau, Abang Johari and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.

SIBU, May 3: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has promised that if Sarawak voters can deliver more than 28 seats to Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 14th General Election, he would ask for more Sarawakian ministerial representation in the federal cabinet.

To him, Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s promise to make state DAP chief Chong Chiang Jen (who is also DAP Stampin candidate) a minister if Pakatan Harapan (PH) took over the federal government was nothing as before the recent dissolution of Parliament, state BN already had seven ministers in the federal cabinet.

He pointed out that Sarawak’s future depended on Sarawakians and Sarawakians must stand together as one, to have greater say in the decision-making in the country.

Abang Johari said this while attending the “Malam Mesra with CM” event in Sibu on Wednesday evening.

Upcoming BN leadership in Sibu. From right: Wong, Lau and Kong.

On Datuk Andrew Wong’s candidacy for Sibu, he said Wong was chosen because of Wong’s experience on the ground and Robert Lau, will be made senator, taking over Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian who recently resigned from the post to stand as BN candidate in Bandar Kuching.

He said if both BN Lanang candidate Kelvin Kong and Sibu candidate Wong won, Sibu would have two parliamentarians and a senator.

Abang Johari also announced an allocation of RM5 million for the upgrading of Rajang Park drainage system and the United Chinese Association Building as well as for the setting up of a Renewal Centre under Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said RM3 million was for the upgrading of Rajang Park Drainage System while RM1 million each is for the upgrading for the United Chinese Association Building and the setting up of a Renewal Centre which is a place for Chinese entrepreneurs to equip themselves with digital and e-commerce knowhow.

Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau (sixth right) presents a Chinese calligraphy painting which reads as “The concerns of the people are always in my heart” to Abang Johari (fifth right) during the “Malam Mesra With CM” event.

The Chief Minister also announced the extension of a few major roads here including Jalan Wawasan, Jalan Pedada, Jalan Oya and Jalan Teku, among others.

He promised that he would make good these promises within two years but first, the people had to deliver the two parliamentary seats of Sibu and Lanang to BN. — DayakDaily