SARAWAK Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg has dropped a strong hint that four incumbent assemblymen will be fielded again in the 13th Sarawak state election.
He remarked at a motorcycle convoy flag-off ceremony organised by the youth wing of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) at Kampung Matang Batu 10 today, where he appeared to signal his confidence in the four assemblymen’s chances of retaining their candidacies.
In a light-hearted exchange, Abang Johari said the four would continue to be addressed as Yang Berhormat (YB), suggesting they would remain in their respective seats after the next polls.
“So, there is no need for me to joke around too much today. But looking at the faces of these four, I can see that they will remain Yang Berhormat,” he said.
Abang Johari was speaking after flagging off a convoy of 100 motorcycles.
The four assemblymen present were Tupong’s Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Satok’s Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Stakan’s Datuk Hamzah Brahim and Kedup’s Datuk Martin Ben.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni and Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli.
Fazzrudin, who first won Tupong in the 2016 state election, is heading for a third consecutive outing in the constituency if Abang Johari’s remarks translate into an official nomination.
He strengthened his position in the 12th state election with 12,544 votes and a majority of 11,209, defeating PKR’s Ahmad Nazib Johari, who received 1,335 votes, and Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s (PBK) Chan Haong Yen, who polled 836.
Ibrahim first contested Satok in the 12th state election after Abang Johari vacated the seat to contest in Gedong.
He won with 6,991 votes and a majority of 6,033, defeating PKR’s Nor Irwan Ahmat Nor and PBK’s Awang Badele Awang Ali.
Hamzah also entered the state assembly for the first time in the 12th election, winning Stakan with 7,854 votes and a majority of 5,807.
He defeated Parti Sarawak Bersatu’s (PSB) George Young Si Ricord Junior, who polled 2,047 votes, DAP’s Leslie Ting Xiang Zhi with 524 and PBK’s Atet anak Dego with 415.
Martin has represented Kedup since winning the seat in the 2011 state election and has retained it in three successive polls.
In the 12th election, he secured 5,178 votes with a majority of 3,566, beating PSB’s Dominic Dado Sagin, who received 1,612 votes, PBK’s Stephen Sungan with 745 and DAP’s Learry Jabul, who polled 640. - November 8, 2026
