Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen ( below ) said he is not surprised with Abdul Taib Mahmud’s announced desire to step down as Sarawak chief minister.

“He has made such a statement 20 years ago, and he is still making it 20 years later. I don’t know whether he will still be making the statement 20 years later after making this statement now,” he said.

Chong Chieng Jen speaking to reporters in Kuching He said for Taib to make the statement shortly before the coming state elections was an indication that he himself realised that he had overstayed his welcome.

“Thirty years as chief minister is enough. Furthermore, there are a lot of unanswered questions about his family’s own properties both locally and overseas,” Chong, who is also the Sarawak DAP secretary, said.

He said Taib’s statement amounted to nothing and that the only way that Taib would truly resign or step down was if the Opposition can deny the BN its two-thirds majority in the state legislative assembly, or if the ruling party loses at least 24 out of  the total 71 seats.

“This will force him to step down,” he said.

“And he will 100 percent retire or resign if the Opposition secures at least 36 seats to topple the Barisan Nasional from power,” he added.

24 seats to end Taib rule

Chong said that a big BN win would only increase the chances of Taib staying on in office.

“My call to the people is that if you want Taib to go, deliver to the Opposition at least 24, if not 36, seats in the coming elections,” he said.

najib abdul razak and taib mahmud in sarawak 190311 “I want Taib to go. I am speaking for myself and the people as a whole. He has overstayed his welcome,” he said, referring to Taib’s stated wish to effect his said retirement only some time after the state elections.

 

Yesterday the long-time CM at a programme in Serian, about 80km from Kuching, announced that the time for him to retire was getting nearer.

“I will lead the Barisan Nasional in this election, but after that, when I see the people I have groomed can form a team and can work for this country, for the people of various races, and these people will be part of the team, then I will call it a day,” said Taib, who has been chief minister since 1981.

Taib, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) president, said the team that he wanted to form will be comprehensive and inclusive so that no race will feel that they are being marginalised.

He hinted that his retirement may come halfway through the next term of the state assembly.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, speaking at the same function, also stated that he had discussed the matter with Taib, adding, “I will find a suitable time for him to step down.”