Taib not stepping down, speculation election to be announced

Polls after CNY 2011 or Nov 2010?

KUCHING (Bernama) - Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud today officially announced his willingness to continue leading the state Barisan Nasional (BN) and state government.

The announcement thus ended speculation on his position following his statement on Aug 24 that he was prepared to step down if the people wanted him to.

Taib, the longest-serving chief minister after 29 years since March 26, 1981, said although some of his family members disagreed, everyone eventually understood his decision to stay on as his services were still needed by the people.

"They (family members) have agreed not to disappoint the people," he said at the Hornbill Skyway hangar on Saturday.

"As for me personally, no matter what happens, I will continue to help Sarawak," he said before more than 7,000 people including state cabinet ministers, assemblymen, BN component party supporters and members of non-governmental organisations.

The 74-year-old leader, however, declined to say for how long more he would lead the state's administration but revealed that the process of forming a new team for the future was on.

Taib said it was also time for all BN component party members and supporters to counter the lies spread by the opposition which was only good at criticising every effort made by the government.

He assured the people that he would continue with the state government's vision of making Sarawak a developed state by 2020.

On Aug 24, Taib was quoted as saying that he had not decided whether to contest in the 10th state election, with the current term ending in July next year.

Taib had been Asajaya assemblyman before moving to the Balingian state constituency in 2001.

-- BERNAMA