Adenan (third right), flanked by Lee on his left and Ting, joins other local political leaders and guests for a group photo at the session in Miri. — Bernama photo
MIRI: Bumiputera constituents of Piasau, Pujut and Senadin have been reminded to give their votes to Barisan Nasional (BN) in this 11th state election.
Pointing out that Bumiputeras including the Malays were traditionally strong supporters of BN, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said: “I have done my calculation – if all support Barisan Nasional, we would win back Piasau and Pujut although they might be not in majority except in Senadin.”
Making the call at a gathering with constituents, party members and supporters in Piasau here yesterday, the chief minister said their votes could make the difference.
He was calling for support for BN candidates Datuk Sebastian Ting (Piasau), Datuk Lee Kim Shin (Senadin) and new face Datuk Hii King Cheong (Pujut).
“I am asking you not to break your votes. You must concentrate on Barisan Nasional so that you can be assured of big win. The Chinese either they decide to be united or not. If they are divided and if the main group of Bumiputeras come in, you have the edge and you could win in town,” he said.
Adenan also called on the Chinese to decide for themselves whether they wanted to be part of the government.
“I don’t want to form a government without the Chinese as they constitute a big part of the state’s population. I want their voices to also be heard,” he said.