Former deputy education minister Salleh Jafaruddin is expected to make a political comeback in Sarawak as the resource-rich state begins to ponder over a post-Abdul Taib Mahmud era.

A reliable source said that Salleh is currently consulting his immediate family members, including his children in Dubai and London, about his intention to return to the political fray.

The one-time Sarawak strongman has stayed away from the political scene for some 20 years.

At 67, Salleh is said to be in the best of health. For many years now, he has been actively conducting religious classes throughout the country.  

It is learnt that Salleh has received numerous calls from supporters across the state to make a comeback. The source revealed that even some state and federal leaders have sounded out to him the possibility of returning to active politics.

“Salleh has also consulted his wide circle of friends and political associates who have pledged their full support,” the source added.

Should he return to politics, Salleh is seen as a possible contender for the chief minister’s post when Abdul Taib Mahmud eventually steps down.

Taib not quitting for now

Salleh Jafaruddin first entered politics in the 70s as the state assemblyman for Oya. He won uncontested under the PBB ticket on his maiden outing.

azlan In 1977, he was appointed a senator and later made the deputy education minister. He served under the late Hussein Onn, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Musa Hitam in the Education Ministry.

Although no longer in active politics, Salleh has nevertheless kept abreast with political developments in Sarawak over the years.

The source said that the former deputy minister has often expressed his concerns that the voices of ordinary people, especially those in the rural areas, have not been fully heard by those in power.

“Salleh is genuinely sincere to offer himself as the people’s voice for change. He will pursue this evolution through a combination of fresh ideas driven by a team of young and experienced people on both sides of the political divide,” the source added.

Taib, who has been chief minister for 29 years, declared last week that he had no intention of quitting .

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 to take over from him was on.

Incidentally, Salleh and Taib are cousins, both of whom are nephews of former Sarawak chief minister Rahman Yaakub.