KUCHING: A chief minister should be appointed based on merit, leadership as well as administrative abilities rather than ethnic origin, says Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

       Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said calls for a Dayak to be made chief minister are just stoking racial sentiment.

       "The Opposition, especially DAP and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), is playing this game. For me, why not – but is there a leader who is eligible among the community right now, be it from either party," he said in a statement on Friday (Dec 17).

       The Dayak community refers to non-Muslim indigenous groups.

       Nanta pointed to candidates in the state constituencies under his Kapit parliamentary area and asked if there is any credible candidate from the Dayak community.

       "I must stress that a chief minister candidate must be truly qualified for the post," he said.

       There are three seats under the Kapit parliamentary seat namely Pelagus, Katibas and Bukit Koram.

       Most of the candidates there, irrespective of party, are from the Dayak community.

       Nanta pointed out that GPS has a qualified and experienced leader representing the Dayaks who has served in both Federal and state governments.

       "Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is the most qualified person if the Dayak community wants to push for chief ministership," he said.

       PSB had said that it would ensure a Dayak is appointed as chief minister if the party wins the state election, pointing out that it has been 51 years since one helmed the state leadership.

       The first chief minister from the community was Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan, who held the post from July 1963 to September 1966.

       Following that, the post went to Datuk Seri Tawi Sli, who held the office until July 1970.

       Since then, the chief minister has been a Melanau/Melayu leader including Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and most recently, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.