SIBU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s popularity has to be translated into votes to enable him to take Sarawak to the next level of development.
He added that it was important for the people to support Adenan’s leadership to give him the mandate to continue to lead the state.
“He is popular not only in his speeches, but his approaches and in addressing issues pertaining to the needs of Sarawakians,” Ahmad Zahid told a press conference during his working visit to University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) campus here yesterday.
Present were Second Finance Minister and Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who is also chairman of UCTS board of management, Deputy Home Ministers Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Masir Kujat, Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee, and Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee.
On Adenan’s proposal on the dates for nomination and election dates, Ahmad Zahid remarked: “He knows that the final decision lies with EC but he, representing the state, only proposed the dates as the final decision is in the hands of chairman of EC.”
Adenan disclosed his proposed dates – April 18 for nomination and polling on April 30 to the Election Commission when launching an election seminar for Satok constituency at Damai Beach Resort Friday night.
After attending the national level 44th Rela Day celebration at Sibu Town Square Phase 2 on Saturday, Adenan clarified that the nomination and election dates were just a proposal that he made during an informal meeting with the EC.
Adenan stressed that he did not dictate the election dates to the EC because it was the commission’s prerogative, not his to decide when the election would be.
On the mobilisation of personnel under the Home Ministry’s agencies in preparation for the coming state election, Ahmad Zahid, who is Home Minister, assured that they would not interfere with the existing security arrangement in the state.