The Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) has never underestimated the ability of the opposition to win the general election, said Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

He said the state BN had always made thorough preparation in facing the opposition onslaught in the election.

“We adopt the usual BN strategy. We have never underrated them (opposition),” he told reporters after laying the foundation stone of the RM46.6 million Sarawak Islamic Complex at Jalan Awang Ramli Amit in Kuching today.

The project is funded by the Sarawak Baitulmal Fund.

Abdul Taib, who is also state BN chairman, was commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s advice to the state BN not to underestimate the opposition’s foray in the next general election.

The current state assembly’s term will officially end on July 24.

Taib said he was happy with the awareness shown by the Chinese community towards the BN’s struggles and hoped the sentiments would persist.

Earlier in his speech, he commended Sarawak Baitulmal Fund for its outstanding performance in tithe management which had gained recognition at home and abroad.

He said the fund, which was adjudged the best Islamic financial administrator in the country, was tasked with helping in the setting up of a baitulmal fund in Australia.

- Bernama