KUCHING: The Sarawak government must have strong Chinese representation after the state polls, says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (pic).

       "If the community wants to have strong representation, then they have to support our component parties and our Chinese candidates," the Chief Minister told reporters after launching the Batu Kawah Riverbank Park here on Monday (Nov 8).

       Abang Johari hinted that Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian would defend the Batu Kawah seat in the polls.

       "Most likely, which other candidate do you think should contest here?" he quipped when asked if Dr Sim would be renominated.

       However, he said he would only announce GPS' candidates closer to nomination day once the component parties have met on the matter.

       "It's not fair (to announce it now), the state legislative assembly has just been dissolved," he added.

       The state legislature's dissolution took effect on Nov 3 after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consented to lift the statewide Emergency, paving the way for the state election to be held within 60 days.

       In his speech earlier, Abang Johari urged the Chinese to back SUPP as a partner in GPS.

       "We want the Chinese in the government. GPS cannot be in the government without the Chinese.

       "We must be together in the government to develop the state," he said.