Gedong folk to benefit if Abg Jo makes switch, say community leaders
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s possible switch from his Satok seat to Gedong in the coming state election would enable people in the rural constituency to enjoy more development, said a Satok community leader.
Nurul Ashikin Mohalddin, who is Komuniti Kejiranan Mesra (KJM) Kampung Patingan chairperson, said although saddened by the news that the chief minister could make the move after 40 years as Satok assemblyman, she felt that others too deserve the chance to have Abang Johari as their elected representative.
“I feel proud of the prosperity and development enjoyed by Satok folk all the years he (Abang Johari) was our representative. He is a leader with the soul of the people.
“But thinking of the development we have enjoyed, we give chance to other areas to enjoy the development as well. All Sarawakians need solid ideas for the sake of the state’s development and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for all that he has done,” she said when contacted yesterday.
On Wednesday, Abang Johari told reporters at an event in Serian that he would consider contesting in a different seat this coming election, after Gedong incumbent Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais offered to make way for him to stand in the rural constituency.
However, the chief minister, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman, said he would first consult voters in Satok which he has represented since 1981, before deciding whether or not to make the switch.
For Penghulu Capt (Rtd) Handeri Hashim, who is KJM Kampung No. 3 and No. 4 chairperson, he said he will accept Abang Johari’s decision on where he decides to stand.
“As the Chief Minister, he has the power to decide which candidate is the best to stand in which seat.
“He has been with us for many, many years. We will support him regardless where he will stand in this coming election,” he said.
Handeri added that if Abang Johari decides to contest in Gedong, whoever replaces him in Satok has to be someone who is known to the voters.
“He (Abang Johari) should know who is suitable to take over.”