Adenan feels confident in facing state polls

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Adenan (fourth right) alongside (from third left) Awang Tengah, Jabu, Julaihi, Razaili and PBB Sebuyau and Beting Maro members shout the party’s battle cry during the programme. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

Adenan (fourth right) alongside (from third left) Awang Tengah, Jabu, Julaihi, Razaili and PBB Sebuyau and Beting Maro members shout the party’s battle cry during the programme. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has expressed his confidence in facing the looming state election, which is expected to be held by the end of next month.

This optimism, he said, was due to years of experience of being involved in both the state and general elections as a candidate.

“This is not the first time I am involved in an election. It’s probably the 11th election (I’m involved in)…as a candidate of course, not as a leader.

“But because of that experience, I now feel confident and optimistic in leading the forthcoming state election,” he told a press conference after launching the Barisan Nasional (BN) Strengthening of Election Machinery Programme for Sebuyau and Beting Maro constituencies at a hotel here yesterday.

Asked on the expected date for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) and if it would be dissolved this month, Adenan once again remained coy on the matter and merely replied: “Anytime.”

Adenan, who is also PBB president, also confirmed that both Sebuyau and Beting Maro constituencies would be contested by incumbents Datuk Julaihi Narawi and Razaili Gapor, but not before sneaking in a lighthearted joke during the announcement.

“I also wish to confirm that the BN candidate for Beting Maro shall be Razaili Gapor and the candidate for Sebuyau will be Adenan Satem! It will be (Datuk) Julaihi Narawi for Sebuyau,” he joked to roars of laughter from those present including Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Julaihi and Razaili.

On the preparation of BN and PBB election machineries, Adenan assured that the machinery were well prepared to face the State Election.

“I think it’s pretty well done now. There are a few setbacks of course, but generally it’s okay,” he said, adding that other BN component parties were also doing the same for their machineries.