by Jeremy Veno.
Posted on March 21, 2011, Monday
KUCHING: Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s decision to step down as chief minister is made on his own free will, said Satok assemblyman Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday.
“I personally know Taib’s ways. He was already the chief minister when I was elected a state assemblyman. I have been under his administration for the past 30 years.
“Knowing his ways as the chief minister of Sarawak, I am sure that he will come to a decision as soon as he has made up his mind,” he said when commenting on Taib’s disclosure to step down after the state election.
Taib however did not mention a specific date except to say it might be in mid-term of the next state legislative assembly.
Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Housing and Urban Development, said he believes Taib wants a smooth transition of power before letting go so as to avoid ‘unfavourable’ situations happening in the state.
He also said the chief minister has groomed several leaders who are capable of working as a team for continuity of the government’s policy and development agenda.
“Sarawak is a state which is not easy to handle as we have several races and religions living harmoniously. We have to train those who are able to understand the state’s scenario,” he said further during ‘Program Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat’ at SMK Pending.
When asked to comment on rumours that PBB will field about ten new faces in the coming 10th state election, Abang Johari declined to comment, saying people should not speculate too much but wait for the announcement.
“It is undeniable that there are those who have made their decision to make way for new faces, but the final decision will still come from the prime minister,” he added.
He also said that it is a trend to nominate new faces such as in Pending where Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian will stand for SUPP, as new candidates are products of the grooming process undertaken by all parties under Barisan Nasional (BN).
“Each party under BN will identify their new nominees. Favourable candidates are however, those who are professional, experienced and also those who are able to win,” he said.
Abang Johari also said the state BN machinery is ready for the state election which will be announced by the Election Commission after the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly today.
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