‘Mun ada, ada lah nya’: Premier Abang Johari focuses on State devt, brushes off PRN talk

Abang Johari brushes aside speculation over an early Sarawak election, saying his focus is on delivering more benefits to the people through development.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, July 13: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg brushed aside speculation over an early Sarawak election (PRN), saying his priority remains delivering more benefits to the people rather than thinking about polls.

Asked whether the time was right to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) ahead of its expiry, the Premier said his attention is firmly on ensuring Sarawak’s economic growth translates into tangible benefits for the people.

“I’m not thinking about the election yet. I’m thinking about how to give more to the people so they can share in the benefits of our rapidly growing development.

“Fikiran saya sikda masuk pilihan raya,” he told reporters after the Amanah Saham Sarawak (ASSAR) final dividend announcement ceremony at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today.

When asked if the State election would only be called closer to the expiry of the current DUS term, Abang Johari declined to speculate.

“Ne saya tauk? When the time comes, it comes. It’s not even February yet, so why the rush?” he quipped.

When asked again if the election could be held around February next year, the Premier said people would have to wait and see.

“Tunggu lah bulan dua. Mun ada, ada lah nya,” he responded.

Sarawak’s current DUS first convened on Feb 14, 2022, following the 12th Sarawak Election held in Dec 18, 2021. Under the State Constitution, its five-year term expires in Feb 2027, after which the assembly must be dissolved to pave the way for the next State election. — DayakDaily