Abang Johari (second right) poses with Chong (third right) and Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing (third left) after a lion dance performance at Chong’s Chinese New Year Open House. Also seen are Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali (right) and Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi (second left). — Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING: Pakatan Harapan Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen chose not to comment on talk that the next state election
could be called before the current term of the State Legislative Assembly expires in July next year.
“Election issue I will not talk about it today and CM (Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) is going to visit me. I don’t think it’s courteous to talk about the election.
“For today, I wish everyone Happy New Year, and I hope this coming year brings luck to everyone in Malaysia (and) in Sarawak,” he told reporters at his Chinese New Year Open House, here last Saturday.
Chong – also Democratic Action Party state chairman – was asked to comment on a recent statement by Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Abdullah Saidol, that the next state election was expected to be held before Hari Raya Aidilfitri next year.
Abdullah said all Gabungan Parti Sarawak elected representatives were working very hard as they believed this year would be the last Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration before the next state election.
Chong, meanwhile, said he hoped the country will enjoy faster economic growth, as well as continued harmonious relationship between all races and religions.
“We hope that we can come together to rebuild Malaysia as a powerhouse in economy, culture, education and in every aspect in Southeast Asia.”
His open house, held at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre in Stampin, was attended by some 1,000 people.
Among those present at the open house were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, Abdullah, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii and Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei.