KUCHING: Ageing incumbents and those with chronic health problems could make way for new faces as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) finalises its candidates for the Dec 12 Sarawak election.
PBB information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said incumbents and prospective candidates with chronic illnesses should consider if they could fulfil the responsibilities of an elected representative.
He also advised those who relied on "crutches, wheelchairs or a walker to move around" to be honest about their condition and consider withdrawing from the election.
However, Abdul Karim said the final decision on candidates rested with PBB president and caretaker Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"There's nothing wrong with lobbying but the final say will still be the Premier," he told reporters at his office on Friday (Nov 6).
He said Abang Johari was "fine-tuning" the possible replacements in seats where changes are expected.
According to Abdul Karim, it is normal for political parties, including the four-party Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), to assess incumbents and shortlisted candidates before an election.
"I'm very sure that for most constituencies PBB is contesting, the names are already there," he said.
Muara Tuang incumbent Datuk Idris Buang and Simunjan incumbent Awla Dris have been widely speculated to be among those who could be dropped, with both suffering from health issues.
Awla, a two-term assemblyman, also has mobility difficulties and was seen using a walker during the state assembly's last sitting three weeks ago.
"The party needs to groom new young leaders," said Abdul Karim, who is also caretaker Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister.
He said Abang Johari had to consider Sarawak's long-term future, adding that achieving political maturity could take 15 to 20 years.
Abdul Karim also said he did not expect incumbents to swap seats in the election, although the final decision remained with Abang Johari.
On the election dates, he said the announcement was not a surprise.
"We guessed it would be either at the end of the month or the first week of December.
"There were no surprises because the window for the election date was very, very small," he said.
