By Peter Sibon
SERIAN, June 16: Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem said today that he is ready to defend his seat if a snap general election is to be held.
He reiterated that he is still fit to serve his constituents for another term.
“But if Parliament is to be dissolved, I have to say that I’m prepared to defend Serian. I’m still fit enough to go for another round,” Riot told a press conference after a ceremony to unveil Jalan Chung Hua here today.
Riot noted that to be reelected as an MP would depend on his supporters.
“Yes, and it all depends. We wait lah. We cross the bridge when we come to it. (And) if my service is still needed why not? But if my service is no longer needed then it’s all up to the rakyat. So, we shall see,” he stressed.
Riot, who has been Serian MP since 1990 was commenting on speculations that a snap general election could be held to address the current political uncertainty faced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who assumed the reins of power on February 29 after the fall of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.
Riot who was appointed the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan under Muhyiddin acknowledged that the nation’s current political situation is fluid and fragile with Muhyiddin’s slim majority in Parliament.
“Yes, I have to admit that politics (in Putrajaya) is fluid. So, how do we go about it? For this, I believe the Prime Minster knows what to do,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Riot who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) deputy president refused to comment on Sarawak politics, only stating that the state election must be held before the current term expires in June next year.
“I don’t want to talk about Sarawak politics but let me concentrate on federal politics,” he quipped. — DayakDaily
