Abg Johari thanks PKR for not contesting in Tanjong Datu

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abang johari

Abang Johari Tun Openg

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg acknowledged the decision by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) not to contest in the upcoming Tanjong Datu by-election.

“We thank them for not contesting,” said the acting chairman of Sarawak Barisan Nasional and acting president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) when met by the media at the Chinese New Year Open House hosted by Sarawak United People’s Party at the party headquarters here on Saturday.

When asked if PBB had decided on its candidate for the by-election, Abang Johari answered: “Tunggu dolok (wait first).”

PKR Sarawak chairman Baru Bian, in announcing the party’s decision not to contest in Tanjong Datu by-election on Wednesday, said it was a gesture to let Abang Johari and the state government continue implementing the vision and policies that his predecessor the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem laid out for Sarawak.

Apart from giving Abang Johari the opportunity to implement Adenan’s policies, Baru said the state PKR leadership council was of the view that they should focus on the 14th general election (GE14).

Besides PKR, PAS Sarawak chief Jofri Jaraiee, who expected the GE14 to be held soon, also said his party preferred to focus on the parliamentary election.

“We will most likely not contest there (Tanjong Datu) as a sign of respect for Datuk Patinggi Adenan,” Jofri was quoted as saying, adding that Adenan always had the people’s interest at heart.

The Election Commission (EC) announced Feb 18 as the by-election date for Tanjong Datu. Nomination day will be on Feb 4, while early voting is on Feb 12.