By Karen Bong
KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has hinted that Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian will defend the Batu Kawa seat in the upcoming Sarawak election, while incumbents in Kota Sentosa, Batu Kitang and Bintangor could also be retained, subject to final endorsement by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman, said Dr Sim should remain the representative for Batu Kawa to ensure continuity in Sarawak’s development agenda.
“As GPS chairman, I have discussed this. Batu Kawa’s representative must be Dr Sim, and he must contest so that we can continue implementing our development plans,” he said when officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Batu Kawa Road to Stephen Yong Road at Moyan today.
He also gave indications that Wilfred Yap could continue representing Kota Sentosa, Dato Lo Khere Chiang in Batu Kitang and Ding Kuong Hiing in Bintangor.
However, he stressed that these were only indications and not official announcements, as the candidates would still be subject to approval and endorsement by the party leadership.
“I am only giving some indications. We will confirm the candidates during the nomination process,” he said, adding that the final list would be determined before nomination day.
On the possibility of candidates from other GPS component parties, Abang Johari said their respective selections would be dealt with separately, advising against rushing the announcement.
“Wait lah. Why are you in such a hurry? God willing, the list of candidates will be finalised before nomination day,” he said in responding to a question if candidates list will be unveiled during Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Convention scheduled fo Nov 15.
Abang Johari also praised the capabilities of the potential candidates, describing them as experienced professionals who could contribute to Sarawak’s continued development.
With Dr Sim a cardiologist, Lo an engineer and Yap a lawyer, he said their respective professional backgrounds and leadership qualities made them valuable assets to Sarawak.
“Do not change them because they are all champions,” he said.
He also commended Yap for speaking up in defence of major infrastructure projects in Sarawak, including the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, the proposed new international airport and the deep-sea port near Tanjung Embang.
Abang Johari took aim at those calling for the cancellation or suspension of Sarawak’s major development projects, questioning the alternatives being proposed.
“Perhaps they want to travel by rocket. What kind of rocket is that. We should push out the rocket and support Dr Sim,” he said.
He stressed that Sarawak must remain focused on its development trajectory and avoid being derailed by opposition to projects intended to strengthen its economic competitiveness and connectivity.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s progress had been driven by political stability, unity, cooperation and the hard work of its leaders and administration.
He pointed out that Sarawak had achieved high-income economy status in 2022, ahead of its original 2030 target, citing the World Bank’s recognition.
“This is not something I am saying myself; it is the World Bank that said so,” he said.
He added that Sarawak remained committed to its long-term ambition of becoming a high-income economy, with major infrastructure developments forming part of the efforts to create new economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of Sarawakians.
Abang Johari reminded Sarawakians to safeguard Sarawak’s stability and progress, warning that failure to navigate challenges carefully could put its future at risk.
“The (election) boat is ready to be launched and the paddles are prepared. But as we set the boat afloat, we must be careful as there could be ‘benak’ (tidal bore). If we do not navigate carefully, we could sink. Sarawak must not sink,” he said.
He attributed Sarawak’s transformation over the past decade to the collective efforts of the GPS leadership and Cabinet, naming his deputy and other senior leaders, including Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Dr Sim and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, among those working hard to advance Sarawak.
He said Sarawak’s peaceful and stable political environment had enabled the government to concentrate on development, contrasting it with the political situation in Peninsular Malaysia.
Abang Johari expressed confidence in GPS’s electoral prospects, saying the coalition aimed to secure victories across the State to ensure continuity in its development agenda.
“Some people say they want checks and balances. They are worried that we might win everything. Of course, we want to win everything, God willing, because our objective is to develop Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily
