Abdul Karim lets Premier decide on Asajaya seat

KUCHING : Asajaya assemblyman, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah will leave it to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to decide whether he should defend the Asajaya seat in the coming state election, which he has represented for 25 years.

The Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister said he remained close to the people of Asajaya, with many of his long-standing relationships with constituents having developed beyond politics into genuine friendships.

While he would prefer to continue serving the constituency if given the choice, he said he was prepared to make way for a younger candidate if that was what the party wanted.

“If the party and the Premier still want me to remain, I am willing to accept the responsibility,” he said during a press conference after the DayakDaily writing competition awards ceremony at Imperial Hotel, today.

He also pledged to support whoever was chosen to contest the seat, stressing that the party’s decision would take precedence over his personal preference.

Abdul Karim said development in Asajaya would continue through new plans and projects beyond each five-year term, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to improve the constituency.

Among the ongoing and planned developments in the wider Samarahan area were a waterfront project, a proposed new administrative centre, a boulevard project, an elevated highway and the airport.

On Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) prospects in the coming election, Abdul Karim said the people would ultimately determine whether the coalition could secure all 82 seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

He said GPS won 76 seats in the last state election, with the number subsequently increasing to 80 following the entry of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) members into the coalition through Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

“Of course, if we can win 100 per cent, we will be very, very happy,” he said.

Abdul Karim attributed GPS’ confidence to Sarawak’s political stability, strong state administration and unity among its diverse communities.

He said Sarawak’s administration, particularly in terms of financial management and governance, had received recognition not only locally but also from rating agencies and international leaders seeking opportunities to work with the state.

He urged voters to recognise the state’s achievements and continue supporting GPS, adding that the coalition had its own mechanisms to ensure accountability even if it won every seat.

These included the state’s Ombudsman Unit and GPS backbenchers, whom he said could act as a pressure group to scrutinise the administration and ensure it functioned effectively.

On the possibility of GPS winning seats uncontested, Abdul Karim said this was unlikely, adding that electoral contests could provide a clearer indication of public support for candidates.

“That is very unlikely. However, I can tell you that, based on the sentiment on the ground, the people would want to see a contest.

“Having a contest can also be beneficial. If there is no contest, even if the GPS candidate is good and wins, we will not know the actual level of support for that candidate.

“That is why it is good to have a contest, provided it is conducted responsibly and in a proper manner,” he said.