Nanta Linggi to leave Parliament after five terms, may contest new Sarawak state seat

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has announced plans to step down from his role as a federal lawmaker after five terms in Parliament. The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general stated that he will not defend his Kapit parliamentary seat in the upcoming general election, marking the end of his nearly three-decade tenure as a member of the federal legislature.

However, GPS secretary-general Alexander clarified that his departure from Parliament does not mean he is retiring from politics entirely. He expressed interest in contesting a newly proposed state assembly seat, known as Melekun, within the Kapit parliamentary constituency, should it be approved and officially recognized by the government before the next Sarawak state election.

Alexander emphasized that he firmly believes it is time to create opportunities for younger leaders in politics. Over the past 30 years, he has served in various capacities, including deputy minister in the Rural Development Ministry, minister in the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, and currently as the Works Minister. He stated that it is now appropriate to hand over the role to the upcoming generation.

Although Sarawak prepares for its next state election, GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had previously mentioned that the possibility of Alexander contesting a state seat had not been discussed by the party leadership. Alexander confirmed his intention to run for the proposed Melekun seat, contingent upon confirmation from the Election Commission (EC).

He noted that the EC will conduct a public display exercise to announce the seat later. If a new state seat is allocated in the Kapit parliamentary area, Alexander has declared his intention to contest it.

By transferring to the state assembly level, Alexander aims to concentrate on Sarawak's development, particularly in his home constituency of Kapit. This move signifies his desire to continue contributing to the region's progress even without the position of a federal lawmaker.