Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud today gave the green light for his eldest son, Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, to go into politics.

Speaking at a Hari Raya gathering here, he said he did not want to interfere with the political aspirations of Mahmud Abu Bekir.

But if he wanted to be a good leader, Taib said, he must be patient, sincere and work hard.

"Do not forget to bring more development into Mukah which is your ancestral home,” he added.

Mahmud Abu Bekir, a corporate leader, had recently stated his intention to be a politician.

A member of Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, the backbone of the state BN, since he was 19, he had also said he hoped to get his father's blessing for his move into politics.

Taib did not mention where his son would contest in the coming general election although it is speculated that he would replace his brother Sulaiman in the Kota Samarahan parliamentary constituency.

- Bernama