KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has signalled that Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian will defend his Batu Kawah seat for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the coming state election.
"I'm giving an indication. We'll confirm it on nomination day," the GPS chairman told reporters after launching a road project in Batu Kawah here on Wednesday (Nov 11).
He also indicated that the incumbents for Batu Kitang, Kota Sentosa and Meradong - Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, Wilfred Yap and Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing respectively - were likely to be renominated as well.
All three, who were present at the road launch ceremony, come from GPS component party Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), which is headed by Dr Sim.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari told the crowd not to change Dr Sim for another elected representative.
"Sarawak can change for the better. Batu Kawah, don't change Dr Sim.
"As GPS chairman, I've discussed this and the representative for Batu Kawah must be Dr Sim," he said.
Dr Sim was first elected Batu Kawah assemblyman in 2016, wresting the seat from DAP incumbent Christina Chiew with a 2,085-vote majority.
He retained the seat for GPS in 2021, increasing his majority to 5,393 votes in a four-cornered fight.
With the state polls approaching soon, Abang Johari called on Sarawakians to vote for continued stability, progress and a bright future.
"The drums have sounded and the boat is ready. But we must steer the boat carefully because sometimes a strong wave will come.
"If we are not careful, we will capsize. Don't capsize Sarawak, because we have a bright future up to 2030 and beyond," he said.
He also said GPS was aiming for a clean sweep of all 82 seats in order to continue its development agenda for Sarawak.
"Some people talk about checks and balances because they are worried we will win all the seats.
"Of course we want to win all, insya Allah, because we want to develop Sarawak."
Sarawak will go to the polls on Dec 12, with nomination on Nov 28
