LUNDU: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem hinted that he may call for an early state election with a coy answer when reporters asked him about his plans for the next election yesterday.
Fielding questions from reporters on the next state election after performing the earth-breaking ceremony for Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) Lundu Campus at Jalan Sematan-Lundu here, Adenan did not deny that possibility.
“Yes, possible but I haven’t decided yet,” he said with a laugh after a short pause.
Pressed further on whether some Barisan Nasional incumbents would be dropped in the next polls, Adenan revealed that there would definitely be new faces saying that some members had already indicated they were prepared to retire.
The chief minister was equal to the task when posed with a naughty question on whether the candidate for Tanjung Datu would be replaced.
Adenan who is the incumbent for the seat nonchalantly said a decision would be made when the time comes.
His high approval rating among voters which stands at an average of 74 per cent could inspire him to seek another five-year mandate from the voters sooner rather than later.
Expectations of an early election were fuelled by a one-day sitting of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Aug 17 with many predicting that the state assembly would be dissolved that day.
However, some political pundits believed that Adenan would prefer to wait until the approval of the 11 new seats before calling for the state election.
A poll conducted by Merdeka Centre on 606 respondents aged 21 and above from April 10 to 24 through telephone found that Adenan’s approval rating among voters in the state was at 74 per cent while 68 per cent were satisfied with the state government’s performance.
The survey also showed 67 per cent approval for the chief minister among the Chinese , 74 per cent from non-Malay Bumiputeras and 82 per cent from Malays.
Based on the results, Merdeka Centre executive director Ibrahim Suffian believed that the opposition would have an uphill task in the next state election.
The high rating was a result of Adenan’s strong stance against corruption and in fighting for state’s interests and his focus on rural development.
In the 2011 state election, BN retained 55 seats to keep their two-third majority intact while the opposition DAP won 12 and PKR three seats with one seat going to an independent candidate.
The term of the state assembly expires in June next year.- Borneo Post
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