SIBU: Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian’s prediction of an early state polls does not carry weight.
In saying this, state BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi added it was up to the present government to decide when and ground sentiments are of prime importance.
“The government is working very hard to fulfil its promises as stipulated in the manifesto before facing the people,” added Dr Rundi, who is Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications).
He was responding to Baru’s prediction that the 11th state election might be called between this September and next September.
Baru had said his prediction stemmed from the fact that new leaders wanted a fresh mandate from the people as soon as possible.
The state assembly’s term will expire on June 20, 2016 but the chief minister has the prerogative to dissolve it earlier.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem is scheduled to succeed Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as chief minister this Feb 28.
Meanwhile, PBB supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah asked why the need to waste public money by having election mid-way through this term.
“The DUN term only expires in June 2016 and we are just in early 2014. Baru Bian just can’t wait to try his luck to be the next CM again and hopes that the present government would dissolve the DUN early and call for a snap election.
“My advice to him – we are not like PKR who love to see election after election being held. Look at Kajang, it is less than a year and the PKR elected candidate has stepped down to pave the way for a by-election.
“Such waste of public fund,” Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman, said.
He pointed out this was ironic as PKR had always been advocating for prudent management of state assets and finance.
“Likewise, rest assured that the next state election is not going to be too soon. Baru can keep dreaming longer to be the next CM; something that eluded him in the last state election in 2011,” he said.