Abang Johari (centre) speaks to reporters after officiating at the opening of the BCC here today as Sagah (left) and Henry look on. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (June 22): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg remained tight-lipped on whether Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep would be fielded again by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the next state election.
The Premier was responding to reporters after officiating at the opening of the Bidayuh Cultural Centre (BCC) today, following remarks by Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn urging voters to continue supporting Henry.
“I don’t know. When is the election? I don’t know either. So I cannot respond to your question,” Abang Johari joked as he responded to queries from reporters.
Pressed further on whether he could offer any indication, he replied: “It’s difficult even to give a hint. I am busy with other matters first.
“Let Negeri Sembilan and Johor get excited,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Sagah praised Henry’s contributions to Tasik Biru, describing him as a capable leader who had helped secure Native Customary Rights (NCR) land titles and accelerated development in Bau despite having served as the constituency’s elected representative for only about a decade.
“I hope that Tasik Biru will continue to support Dato Henry Harry Jinep.
“He has only served for 10 years and is still young, and he has helped his people obtain not only land titles but also brought rapid development to Bau,” he said.
Sagah said NCR land had long been a sensitive issue for the Bidayuh community, adding that the issuance of land titles was crucial in safeguarding native land ownership and preventing future disputes.
He said Henry’s efforts in helping residents obtain land titles complemented the Sarawak government’s broader initiatives to formalise NCR land under the Sarawak Land Code.
