We’ll make a strong comeback — Taib

State BN chairman Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has accepted defeat in six urban seats in the state in the just-concluded 13th general election, but vowed to make a “strong comeback”.
The six seats which BN lost are Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Sarikei, Sibu, Lanang and Miri – all belonging to BN component party SUPP.
“We have to continue our policy which encompasses all races. We will improve our delivery system and we will try our best in the future,” Taib told a press conference at his residence in Demak Jaya here last night.
The chief minister pointed out that although there was no victory in these Chinese majority areas for the BN, the state government would not jump to conclusion that there were no BN supporters within the Chinese communities in the six constituencies lost.
“Unfortunately, the (Chinese) support is not big enough. They are more swayed by the opposition politics this time around.
“It is okay, we accept these defeats. The people had said they wanted it that way, so let it be.”
Taib said he had always believed that the BN government would prevail at the federal level even though the opposition had claimed that they would take over in this election.
On SUPP, Taib said even though the party lost all its seats except Serian, where its deputy president Datuk Richard Riot prevailed, the party remained “relevant”.
“SUPP, as a party, is still relevant. If they have got good leadership, I am sure in the next election it can gallop itself to become a stronger party.”
On SPDP president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom’s victory in Saratok, he said he was happy for him but admitted that he had expected Mawan to garner more votes.
“I had expected better (result) but in any election there are many factors (at play), and that includes the people’s support.”
Meanwhile, Taib expressed his gratitude to BN’s new faces and for the peoples’ support for them.
“I am grateful to the people for the support which they have shown to our new faces … not only for their support that gave us victory but also for the support (in areas) where we did not win.”
BN fielded new faces in Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Mas Gading, Miri, Hulu Rajang, Baram, Sibu, Saratok and Baram in the polls