By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 19: Asajaya incumbent Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah opines that Gedong will likely become a ‘boom area’ if it is represented by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Abang Johari, who is Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman-cum-Satok incumbent, started his political career in the same constituency and proved his capability in developing Satok by leaps and bounds.
“As a chief minister, Abang Johari has that Midas touch. Everywhere he goes, whatever he wishes to pursue, it will work out.
“Therefore, if he is contesting in Gedong, the constituency will develop well. The same applies to any other constituency. In addition, even the surrounding areas of the constituency he helms will benefit from the spin-off,” he told reporters after flagging off ‘Hidden Gems in Borneo, Sarawak!’ road trip at Sin Chew Daily plant today.
Nonetheless, Abdul Karim who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and Minister of Youth and Sports, reminded that as a chief minister, Abang Johari belongs to the whole of Sarawak and not just Gedong or Satok.
“Whether Abang Johari is going to contest in an urban area or a rural area, I believe he will still look after every other place,” he added.
Abdul Karim was commenting on Abang Johari’s disclosure on Nov 17 that the latter will consider contesting in Gedong seat in the coming 12th Sarawak Election after Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais (Gedong incumbent) has announced his intention to quit.
In the 2016 State Election, Abang Johari defended the Satok seat for the eighth consecutive term after defeating his challenger Mohammad Salleh Shawkatali from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
At the same time, Abdul Karim who is PBB vice president confirmed that the party is going to hold a meeting tonight prior to the meeting by the Election Commission (EC) this Nov 24.
“Maybe the meeting might announce the candidates for the state polls to the PBB supreme council but I am not too sure about that,” he added. — DayakDaily
