Abang Johari fields questions from reporters after attending the Sarawak-level Labour Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on May 10, 2026.

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, May 10: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says discussions on potential candidacies for the upcoming State election remain premature, following reports that Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi is keen to contest a State seat in Kapit.

Asked whether the matter had been discussed, Abang Johari said it was not yet at the appropriate stage for deliberation.

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“It has not been discussed and we are not at that stage yet. When the time comes, we will discuss it … ‘motor belum berjalan’ (the engine has not started yet),” he told reporters after attending the Sarawak-level Labour Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

His remarks came in response to a recent report that Nanta is considering a return to State politics after nearly three decades as Member of Parliament for Kapit.

The Kapit MP had previously indicated he was open to returning to State politics if entrusted by the party leadership, while stressing that any decision on candidacy rests with the party.

Nanta, who is also the Federal Works Minister, is among Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) senior federal leaders and has represented the Kapit parliamentary constituency since 1999. — DayakDaily