Taib: Does not matter who succeeds me

(Bernama) – BINTULU, March 3 — Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud does not think that having a state leadership succession plan will increase support for Barisan Nasional in the next state election.

He said the level of support was more influenced by the depth of understanding of government development programmes benefiting the people.

Taib was commenting on a Bernama report which quoted analysts as saying that the electoral position of the state BN would be considerably enhanced if there was a “clear and firm plan” of succession.

Speaking to reporters after opening a seminar for community leaders here, he said that continuity of leadership was more important than the question of who would succeed him.

“What is important is that the future leaders could accept and continue all the good policies,” Taib said.

Taib, who will be celebrating 30 years as Sarawak Chief Minister on March 28, is reported to have expressed his desire to quit politics but was persuaded by other leaders of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera to continue at the helm.

The 75-year-old Taib, who is PBB president and State BN chairman, has been quoted as saying that the next election, which must be held before July 24, would be his last because of the age factor. — Bernama