‘GE14 – mother of all elections’
CM upbeat about BN’s chances in the coming election despite facing a formidable opposition led by Mahathir
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg says the coming general election (GE14) is ‘the mother of all elections’ as BN would be facing a former prime minister who has chosen to fight with the opposition coalition, Pakatan Harapan,
However, Abang Johari said BN and PBB would overcome the challenges posed by the opposition because Barisan Nasional election machinery has a solid base.
“Even though we will be fighting against a former prime minister, we will come with good intention. We are not fighting for our personal interest but the interests and rights of our people and state,” he said at the launching ceremony of the P194 Petra Jaya election machinery yesterday.
The Penview Convention Centre in Demak where the ceremony was held was a sea of blue as the state Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) members showed up in full force.
Works Minister and Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as well as Assistant Minister of Law, Federal-State Relations and Project Monitoring, and Petra Jaya parliament election machinery operation director Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and assistant director who is Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman were among those present.
“Petra Jaya parliamentary seat has an excellent history in elections due to four fundamental criteria – our high level of preparedness, orderly and strong machinery, giving confidence to our voters about the direction of the state government and party, and strong unity among ourselves.
“Whoever the candidate, he/she will be the person who will bring our voice to parliament. Datuk Seri Fadillah has performed his duty exceptionally well since he became our MP, and has
Even though we will be fighting against a former prime minister, we will come with good intention. We are not fighting for our personal interest but the interests and rights of our people and state. — Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister
brought various development and improvement to the area,” Abang Johari said.
He said another victory this GE was vital as it would mean the solid voice of Sarawak BN, which in turn, would strengthen the bargaining power of the state government.”
Fadillah, meanwhile expressed confidence that BN would not only win the election but win it gloriously regardless who would be fielded.
“Looking at the opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH), I feel there is no hope in them as they are divided as to what they want to do.
“Comparing those developments given to Sarawak between the leaders (Najib and Dr Mahathir) we know we can’t rely on PH. Only BN can and has fought for our rights and interests,” he added.
Earlier in his speech Abang Johari said mutual understanding between the state and federal governments must be enhanced and sustained as it is the bedrock on which Barisan Nasional (BN) stands.
“With mutual understanding and collaboration with the federal government under Najib’s leadership, we will be able to do many things, bring more development and implement more projects in the state.
“I am not trying to exaggerate, but honestly, our prime minister has brought many development projects to Sarawak compared to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir,” said Abang Johari who is BN Sarawak chairman.
The notable development, he added, included the construction of Pan Borneo Highway and the acquisition of Bakun HEP, which would definitely bring a lot of benefits to Sarawakians. He thus called for another record achievement in the GE14 with BN winning at least 28 out of 31 seats.