KUCHING – After 25 years active in politics, Tebedu assemblyman Datuk Michael Manyin Jawong is bowing out of active politics and will not be defending his seat in the upcoming Sarawak election speculated to be held on December 18.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu senior vice-president told reporters in Serian today that he had made up his mind last year, adding: “I am not disappointed, I have no regrets. I voluntarily chose not to defend my seat.”
The 76-year-old who has held several ministerial posts in the state also said that age is not in his favour, and it is time for him to return to the land to take on farming and spend time with his four grandchildren.
“I want to be a free man,” said Manyin, who held the education, science and technological research portfolio prior to the dissolution of the state assembly.
Manyin who has been Tebedu assemblyman since 1996 is confident that Gabungan Parti Sarawak will retain the seat in the upcoming election with a comfortable majority.
Tebedu is among eight Bidayuh-majority hot seats most sought after by Dayak candidates during elections.
The other seats are Opar, Tasik Biru, Serembu, Mambong, Tarat, Kedup, and Bukit Semuja.
“In fact, the Bidayuh people are aware that they will benefit a lot when they are with the government.
“Previously, when we were part of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, all the Bidayuh seats were won by BN,” he added.
Tebedu consists of the polling districts of Bentang, Lanchang, Amo, Tebedu and Mengarat.
In the previous state election, Manyin won with a majority of 6,193 votes in a straight fight against PKR’s Alex Saben. – The Vibes, November 23, 2021
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