Karim defends Mahmud’s political standing

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KUCHING: Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib is a capable individual to perform as a member of parliament for Kota Samarahan if he is nominated in the next general election.

According to Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Mahmud as a corporate figure will be able to carry the responsibilities of an elected representative well.

Answering a question by a reporter during his Hari Raya open house at Jalan Astana yesterday, Karim said claims made by certain individuals that Mahmud will not perform, just like his brother Dato Sri Sulaiman Taib, is unfounded.
“In my opinion, each individual has his own style. We cannot generalise,” he said.

Karim, who is state Barisan Nasional backbenchers chairman, said each individual is different.

“Take, for example, the political scenario in Sarawak, the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) speaker Dato Asfia’s brother is in the opposition,” he added. Therefore, Karim said it is not fair to look at Mahmud in the same light as Sulaiman who might have his own personal issues and could not perform in serving the people in his full capacity.

“However, Kota Samarahan is developing rapidly from various efforts between BN and community leaders, and the result itself is important,” he said. On the question of the risk taken if nominating Mahmud who does not reside in Sarawak, Karim said the news has not been confirmed and no official statement has been made.

“It all depends on the state and federal BN decision. If he is nominated and elected, I am sure he will adapt well as a politician. Whatever it is, I am sure BN will win with five figure majority in the area,” he said.

On another matter, Karim who is also Asajaya assemblymen said he was confident that BN would retain the Kota Samarahan seat judging from the majority of support in areas such as Muara Tuang and Asajaya, which he described as the highest in the state.

“This actually shows the people look more at good services to ensure quality of life, regardless if it comes from the assemblymen, member of parliament, resident’s office, or local authorities.”