Sarawak CM Adenan Satem invites opposition supporters to back BN

"Let us set aside all our political differences for the sake of the future of Sarawak and the people," he said at a meet-the-people session organised by Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) at the Redeems Centre here.

Adenan, who is also Sarawak BN chairman, said a huge victory for the BN in the elections would be most meaningful for the state and the people.

He said he needed a strong mandate to continue his mission to develop the state, especially the rural areas, as well as to reclaim autonomy for Sarawak, and receive a larger allocation from the federal government.

As such, he requested the people to translate the loud cheers he received at events he attended into votes for the BN.

"Based on the support received during my visit around the state, I find support for the BN growing," he said.

Meanwhile, the 10,000 people present at today's event were told they needed to wait a little longer to find out who would run as the BN candidate for Tasik Biru in the state elections.

Adenan said he was impressed with the turnout at the event, but stopped short of announcing the candidate.

"However, based on what I have seen today, I know what decision to make later," he said.

Tasik Biru incumbent Datuk Peter Nansian and Datuk Harry Henry Jinep of the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) had both offered to contest under the BN symbol.

Adenan also explained why he supported Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, whom he described as a prime minister who was good to the people and the state.

He said that since Najib became the prime minister, he had visited Sarawak almost 50 times and approved allocations for various projects and programmes in the state, including RM3 billion during his walkabouts and RM16 billion for the Pan Borneo Highway project.

Nansian, who also spoke at the event, expressed the undivided support of the Tasik Biru voters for the BN, and said hoped he would be picked to defend the seat.

Harry, when met by Bernama, said that in the spirit of the Easter celebrations, he set aside politics to attend today's event, and even shook hands with Nansian in front of the chief minister.