Sarawak CM names Uggah for Bukit Saban, Jabu stands down

Sarawak BN chairman Adenan Satem today announced the Member of Parliament for Betong, Amar Douglas Uggah, as the candidate for the state constituency of Bukit Saban in the 11th state election soon.

He said it was time for Uggah, who is the minister of plantation industries and commodities, to return and serve in the state.

"I know that Uggah is a full minister in Putrajaya, but we want him back to serve in Sarawak after having served so long there," he said at a gathering of the ‘Leader With The People’ at the Dewan Perpaduan Debak in Debak today.

The incumbent for the Bukit Saban seat, Robert Lawson Chuat, was willing to make way for Uggah to stand there, he said.

Major loss

Adenan, who is Sarawak chief minister, also announced that his deputy, Alfred Jabu would not defend his Layar state seat.

He described the matter as a major loss to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) because Jabu had represented Layar since 1974.

"In recognition of his tremendous contributions to us for more than 40 years, we give him the opportunity to personally announce his successor. He will give his decision soon and we will give our support to whoever he chooses," said Adenan.

Without disclosing any names, he said Jabu would be replaced by one of his children.

Meanwhile, Adenan said the incumbents for the Saribas state seat, Mohd Razi, and the Lingga state seat, Simoi Peri, would defend their respective seats.

Meanwhile, Uggah, when approached by reporters later, said the announcement was a surprise to him.

As a member of PBB he accepted the decision with humility and took pride in the trust given to join Adenan's team.

Asked on the full minister's post that he was holding currently, he said his focus now was to give victory to Adenan's Team and the BN.

"If I win and am given a post in Sarawak, I will relinquish my position at the federal level. I cannot hold two positions," he said.

Asked on the rumour that he would hold the post of deputy chief minister later, he said: "That is not for me to answer. My focus now is to win the seat for BN".

Meanwhile, Gerald Rentap Jabu who is rumoured to succeed his father in Layar when met by reporters, said that the responsibility to fill and win the seat vacated by his father would be a massive job.

- Bernama