KUCHING, April 25: Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Mukah parliamentary seat in the upcoming 14th General Election (GE14) is all too aware how hard it is to avoid being in the spotlight.
After all, she is the youngest daughter of Sarawak Governor Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who was a former Balingian assemblyman (a state seat under Mukah) and Sarawak’s longest serving Chief Minister.
Taken aback by all the camera lightflashes and voice recording devices from members of the media in front of her, Hanifah, 46, nevertheless answered questions posed to her with grace.
“I accept the responsibility and trust given by the BN leadership. Insya Allah I will carried out my duties. My father did not interfere with my choice and after the announcement of my candidacy. Instead, he advised me to serve the people well and always use religious teachings for guidance,” she said after receiving her letter of appointment from Chief Minister and state BN chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today.
“I would like to thank the party leadership for giving me this opportunity and confidence to stand in this election. I am determined to serve the people with commitment, sincerity and will do my best in bringing more development for the people in Mukah,” she said.
Hanifah is one of the 15 new faces in the state BN list of candidates.
Another new face in BN is Datuk Andrew Wong Kee Yew, who will stand in Sibu parliamentary seat.
Andrew, 42, is the son of United People’s Party president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (Bawang Assan assemblyman).
As a former Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman, Andrew said he has already planned ahead for the people in Sibu from 2018-2022.
“I have initiated the Rancangan Sibu 1 (RS1), a five-year development plan. As we are heading towards a digital economy state, we need to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas.
“In order to do that, we need more development. From there, we can create more economic and job opportunities, and hence bridge the gap between the big and smaller cities,” Andrew said.
He added that if the state can give enough opportunities for young people, especially youths, they will stay back to build their careers instead of migrating to other places such as Peninsular Malaysia. — DayakDaily
