PETALING JAYA: Works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi will not be defending the Kapit parliamentary seat in the next general election, ending nearly 30 years as an MP.
However, Nanta said he would remain in politics and might contest a new state seat in Kapit if it was gazetted in time for the Sarawak election, Berita Harian reported.
“I am firm in my decision to give up this parliamentary seat. I am not retiring from politics, but may continue my political struggle in another way and no longer as an MP.
“I think it is time we give the younger generation a chance (in Parliament),” he was quoted as saying.
Nanta, who is the Gabungan Parti Sarawak secretary-general, said he wanted to focus more on development at the state level, particularly in Kapit.
He also said he was interested in contesting the proposed new state seat of Melekun.
The seat still needed to be confirmed by the Election Commission, which was expected to hold an exhibition and make an announcement on the matter, he said.
On May 9, the six-term Kapit MP said he felt the time had come to pass the federal baton to a younger leader.
GPS chairman and Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said Nanta’s intention to contest a state seat was his personal stand and would be considered at the appropriate time.
