KUCHING: The time is right for Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to step down from politics in this general election.
The incumbent Santubong MP said it was his decision not to seek reelection and that he was not asked to do so by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg or anyone else.
“Three months ago, I informed the Premier that I wanted to step down in this election.
“The Premier told me that it was up to me and that I didn’t have to make a decision right away.
“But I kept my word not to seek re-election,” he told a press conference upon arriving at Kuching International Airport from Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Wan Junaidi said it was right for him to retire now at his peak in terms of popularity and effectiveness.
“When you’re at the top, that’s when you step down.
“Don’t overstay your welcome. That’s my advice to all politicians,” he said.
Wan Junaidi also said he fully supported the choice of Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri as the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate to contest in Santubong.
Although he had groomed someone else to be his successor, he said the choice of candidate was not up to him but the party.
“If the party decides to choose someone they think is best, you have no right to complain or be angry,” he said, adding that he would help Nancy campaign in Santubong at the polls.
“What matters most is that we win decisively,” he said.
As the de facto law minister in the caretaker government, Wan Junaidi said there was still a lot of work to be done in amending and updating various laws, including the abolition of the mandatory death penalty and political funding legislation.
However, he said it was up to the next law minister to continue the work.
As to his future plans, he said he would take time to relax first before considering offers to become a lecturer or serve on boards of directors.
