Abg Jo hints possibility of Dr Sim defending Batu Kawah under GPS

KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has hinted that Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian is most likely to defend Batu Kawah this upcoming state election.

When met by reporters during his visit to Batu Kawah Riverbank Park yesterday afternoon, Abang Johari was asked whether Dr Sim, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) chief, would be picked by the GPS for that seat.

“I think, most likely, (unless) you can think of another candidate to contest here,” he said.

Nonetheless, he was also quick to add that the full list of candidates to stand in the 12th state election would be announced in due time.

“I have asked for cooperation from all of us in GPS. The candidates for the state election will be announced once we’re very near to nomination day, and after we have had our meeting,” he said.

The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president also pointed out that there must be a very strong Chinese representation in the state government and thus, he called upon the community to support the Chinese candidates from GPS component parties.

“It is up to the Chinese community, should they want a very strong representation in the next state government.”

Apart from PBB and SUPP, other component parties under the GPS coalition are Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

When asked about possible appointment of a Chinese deputy chief minister should the GPS win the mandate to helm the state government, Abang Johari said it was still too early to say.

“Such a decision would normally be made after the state election has concluded.”

Following the lifting of the Emergency Order on Sarawak, the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was a dissolved on Nov 3 and thus, the state election must be held within 60 days from that date.