MIRI: Incumbent Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad laughed it off when reporters asked if he would defend his Mukah seat in the coming parliamentary election.
He said it all depended on his party – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) to decide.
“You shouldn’t ask me this question … it all depends on the party’s decision if I stay or not,” he replied in jest.
Nevertheless, he said he was ready to serve the constituency for another term if given the chance.
“Well, I have no wish to step down.
“I am still able to work and at the moment also I am still working to develop my constituency, so I am ready to defend my seat”, he said, stressing again that his renomination was subject to the party’s decision.
Admitting that as much as he wanted to, he could not comment further as the matter was for the party to decide.
To another question from the reporters, Dr Toyad who is also Sarawak Federal Melanau Association president disclosed that he had been the member of parliament for Mukah for over 30 years now.
If he wins in the next election, it would be his eighth term.
He had been deputy minister of education and minister of tourism.
Dr Toyad was met by the reporters at the Hari Raya gathering at Wisma Melanau Miri here on Saturday night.
The annual event was organised by Miri Melanau Association to celebrate the festive occasion, apart from bolstering closer rapport between members of the Melanau community and the public.
Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, Miri Melanau Association president Alexander Maiyor and organising chairman Abdullah Jaini were also present.
At the function, Dr Toyad and Ahmad Lai donated RM5,000 each to the association.
Later, Dr Toyad handed over monetary assistance to 40 widows, orphans and senior citizens.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Lai, who also spoke that night, called on the Melanaus here to give their fullest support to Dr Toyad in the coming parliamentary election.
“This is to ensure his victory so that he will continue to help the community prosper along with other communities in Sarawak.”
Maiyor, in his welcoming speech, assured the association would continue to support Dr Toyad, particularly in the election.
“We will rally behind the candidate and fully support him so he will continue to be the leader in Mukah and serve the people,” he pledged.