KUCHING: Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg announced 31 Barisan Nasional (BN) Sarawak candidates with 15 new faces and 16 incumbent candidates for 14th General Election.
Foremost among the new faces is Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, 46, the daughter and youngest child of the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late Puan Sri Hajjah Laila Taib.
Hanifah will stand in Mukah, replacing the incumbent, Tan Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad.
“Some of the incumbents willingly withdraw themselves to give way to new faces. We are preparing ourself towards the digital era, the experienced seniors will guide the younger ones and this will continue later on to leapfrog the economy.
“The situation and environment nowadays has changed and for Sarawak, we are preparing our young leaders to move towards the digital era,” said Johari during a press conference to announce the state BN candidates at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here, yesterday morning.
The new faces are, Kho Teck Wan (P195 Bandar Kuching), Datuk Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian (P196 Stampin), Genot Anak Sinel @ Jeannoth Sinel (P198 Puncak Borneo), Robert Pasang Anak Alam (P203 Lubok Antu), Robert Lawson Chuat (P204 Betong), Jagah @ Subeng Anak Mula (P205 Saratok), Yusuf Abd Wahab (P206 Tanjung Manis), Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (P207 Igan), Huang Tiong Sii (P208 Sarikei), Kong Sien Chiu @ Kelvin Kong (P211 Lanang), Wong Kee Yew @ Andrew Wong (P212 Sibu), Hanifah Hajar Taib (P213 Mukah), Rita Sarimah Anak Patrick (P214 Selangau), Lukanisman B. Awang Sauni (P218 Sibuti), and Sebatian Ting Chiew Yew (P219 Miri).
The incumbent candidates are, Nogeh Anak Gumbek (P192 Mas Gading), Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (P193 Santubong), Fadillah Yusof (P194 Petra Jaya), Rubin Wang (P197 Kota Samarahan), Richard Riot Jaem (P199 Serian), Nancy Shukri (P200 Batang Sadong), Rohani Abdul Karim (P201 Batang Lupar), Masir Mujat (P202 Sri Aman), Joseph Salang Gandum (P209 Julau), Ago Anak Dagang (P210 Kanowit), Alexander Nanta Linggi (P2015 Kapit), Ugak Anak Kumbong @ Wilson Ugak (P216 Hulu Rajang), Tiong King Sing (P217 Bintulu), Anyi Ngau (P220 Baram), Hasbi Habibollah (P221 Limbang), and Henry Sum Agong (P222).
Out of the 31 BN seats in Sarawak, PBB have 14 seats, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) have seven, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) have six and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), four.
Among the new faces, PBB have six candidates, SUPP have six, PRS have two and PDP have one.
In total, there are 25 men and six women BN candidates.
