State election in March or April — Wong

SIBU: Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh believes the next election would likely be held in March or April next year.

Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh

“Personally, I do not think the election will be held this year. It’s too early…maybe next March or April,” he said.

Wong was responding to reporters’ query on whether his latest campaign push in the rural areas was an indication that the election was near.

“To me, going to the ground to gather feedback is always my job and to assure the people that I will continue to serve them to the best of my capabilities,” he added.

Wong said he had conducted more than 20 ceramah with the people in the rural areas for the past weeks and the whole intention was to listen to their needs.

“I received lots of requests from these people, ranging from better bridges to upgrading roads and drainage improvement.

“What the people want, I will do it slowly and I will make sure that all are delivered. However, priority will be given to urgent projects,” he said.

On another matter, Wong, who is also Public Health Minister, said the Food Quality and Safety Section under his ministry would take samples from ‘Indomie’ instant noodles and send them for analysis to determine whether they were dangerous to health.

Last Friday, Taiwan authorities recalled the ‘Indomie’ instant noodles after they were found to contain two forbidden preservatives – methyl p-hydroxybenzoate and benzoic.

The preservatives are allowed only in cosmetics.

On a separate matter, Wong reminded community leaders and non-governmental organisations to attend a briefing on dengue and the prevention of other contagious diseases at 9.30am today at 15th Floor, Wisma Sanyan.