KUCHING: Incumbent Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s decision not to contest in Santubong for the upcoming 15th general election (GE15) is appreciated, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah, the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president, stated that the move would pave the way for the younger generation to be given a chance to get involved in politics.

“In PBB, we always have this culture where, if one feels that his or her time is up, then he or she will step down,” he said.

He pointed out that it was equally important to provide guidance to the younger generation as being in politics was not easy.

“That being said, we can only appreciate Wan Junaidi’s decision,” said the Deputy Premier.

Uggah told the media this after officiating at the Borneo Occupational Safety and Health Conference and Exhibition (BOSH 2022) here on Tuesday (Nov 1).

Earlier, it was reported that Wan Junaidi had recommended his political secretary, Datuk Seri Syed Hamzah Syed Paie, to replace him as the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for the Santubong parliamentary seat.

He said Syed Hamzah was the suitable option if GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg decided not to renominate him to defend the seat.

GPS will be announcing its list of candidates on Thursday (Nov 3).