GPS accepts Manyin's decision to not defend Tebedu seat - Abang Johari

SERIAN, Nov 27 -- Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has accepted Tebedu assemblyman Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong’s decision to not defend his seat in the upcoming 12th Sarawak state election.

GPS chairman and Sarawak Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he respected Manyin’s decision and his intention of giving way to a younger candidate to replace him.

“We are grateful to Manyin and his service to the state, government and people for five terms as assemblyman and Sarawak cabinet minister,” he said at a media conference after officiating the new Serian Division Administration Complex here today.

Manyin, 76, who is also state Education, Science and Technological Research Minister, announced his intention of not running in the upcoming elections on Tuesday. He first won the seat in 1996, and was re-elected four times throughout his 25-year tenure as assemblyman.

“I have been talking (about not contesting in the elections) since last year,” he told the media at an event at that time.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the GPS leadership have identified a candidate to replace Manyin but declined to reveal the candidate’s identity today.

He also expressed confidence that GPS could win all the eight Bidayuh-majority seats, Opar, Tasik Biru, Serumbu, Mambong, Tarat. Tebedu, Bukit Semuja and Kedup as they have been strong supporters of the current state government.

He also announced that the Siburan sub-district would be upgraded into a full district with Balai Ringin as sub-district.

He said the decision was made at a recent state cabinet meeting and following the change, Siburan would receive the necessary facilities befitting a district and similar facilities would be provided for Balai Ringin sub-district.

-- BERNAMA