KUCHING: A Chinese deputy chief minister in the next state Cabinet will depend on the community’s support to the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Chief Minister and GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said any decision on the matter would be done after the election.
“For now, please do not speculate first. What I am saying is, it is up to the Chinese community, if they want a very strong representation in the next state government.
“Then, they will have to support (Chinese candidates) from our component parties,” he said.
He also hinted that Batu Kawah incumbent Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian would defend his seat in the election.
“I think it is most likely (Dr Sim will be defending the seat). You think of a candidate that can be here?… Most likely,” he told reporters after officiating at the launch of the Phase 1 and 2 of Batu Kawah Riverbank Park on Monday (Nov 8).
The chief minister said the coalition would hold a meeting after which he would announce the GPS’s list of the candidates when the nomination day approaches.
“I think it is not nice to announce it yet as the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has just been dissolved,” he said.
Meanwhile, earlier in his speech, Dr Sim thanked those who had given him the chance to serve Batu Kawah constituency since the last 2016 state election.
“We have brought changes to Batu Kawah over the past five years and hopefully… (continue) to work with me, support me so that we continue to develop Batu Kawah,” said Dr Sim.
