GEDONG: For folk in the laidback constituency of Gedong, having Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) election candidate is like welcoming an old friend.

       Civil servant Rosli Ismail, 55, who has lived in Gedong all his life, said: “Even though Abang Johari is not from the area, the people of Gedong know him well enough because he is the Chief Minister.

       “Recently, we saw him in town where he announced several projects, including new bridges across the Batang Sadong river. So, we know things will improve here with Abang Johari taking care of us.”

       He added that development here was sparse, with residents working mainly as fishermen or farmers.

       “Those who want a better standard of living mostly choose to work in the city. But if our elected representative is the Sarawak chief minister, I believe Gedong will enjoy more development,” added Rosli.

       Imanuddin Bukri, who manages a family-run udang galah (giant freshwater prawn) restaurant in Kampung Gumpey, Gedong, said he was looking forward to seeing improvements in his constituency.

       “As traders in a small village, our business has been really affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said, though he added that business had slowly recovered since the reopening of sectors.

       “Since the news that Abang Jo is standing in Gedong was announced, there has been a buzz of activity around town.

       “Hopefully, we can see more activities to improve the livelihood of locals here,” said the 42-year-old.

       Housewife Sharmin Salleh, 26, said: “The roads here are bad and damaged. Many of them are also without streetlights, so driving around is dangerous. If Abang Jo becomes our assemblyman, I hope these things can be addressed.”

       Abang Johari, who was Satok assemblyman from 1981, will contest in Gedong for the first time.

       He told Astro Awani the plan for him to stand in Gedong and replace its incumbent Datuk Naroden Majais was mooted two years ago.

       “The constituency can improve with a coastal road as well as electrical and water supply. This is why I moved here from Satok,” he said.