I wish to comment on the article by Tony Tien [#1] Spooked Sarawak chief may contest elsewhere [/#], April 18). This issue is the talk of the whole state. This unprecedented move by the Chief Minister Taib Mahmud is looked upon with due concern by the Barisan Nasional politicians and the opposition parties now on the campaign trail prior to the formal dissolution of the state assembly.

While Taib is not expected to face undue difficulties in any seat he cares to stand, the current seat may cause problems, and not due to the Abang Abu Bakar factor alone.

I went to visit the area with a lady friend who just retired as a field officer in the Information Department. I managed to hear a lot of feedback that people are just keen for a change.

One Universiti Malaysia Sarawak lecturer was candid in his explanation: "I knew Tan Sri Taib as Sarawak's chief minister while in primary school. When I was at secondary and university level, he was our chief minister. Now with my third child, he is still the only chief minister. I don't think he is the only man available to lead the state in the new millennium."

This may explain the hidden forces backing Abang Abu throughout the state. The open disagreement between component BN parties in the state is well known by their own respective supporters. With Abang Abu already openly campaigning, many simmering protests in the past may find a suitable avenue through him.

With regard to the postal votes, I believe Abang Abu explained them clearly in one of his [#2]

speeches [/#].