KUCHING: Veteran politician Datuk Amar Micheal Manyin anak Jawong is calling time on his illustrious career and is doing so with no regrets.
The Tebedu incumbent who announced his decision to make way in the upcoming 12th state election is convinced that he had done his best, especially for his beloved Bidayuh community.
“It’s official. I have no regrets, I can now go and become a free man,” said the 77-year-old, pointing out that he was stepping down voluntarily.
Manyin, who is senior vice president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), spoke to reporters after officiating at the Education Colloquium 2.0 in Serian.
Saying he would now have more time with his four grandchildren, the politician who delved into politics only at the age of 52, said there were also over 200 durian trees in my farm to nurture.
One of the oldest lawmakers in the state, Manyin had been serving as the Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research in the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)government.
He has been widely credited with strengthening unity in the Bidayuh community during his tenure.
And in this outing Manyin is confident the community will band together and throw their weight behind GPS.
“The Bidayuh always support the party that benefits them and I believe they will not abandon GPS.
“They have always supported the government which gives them benefits as was the case during the Barisan Nasional era previously,” he said.
Hailing from Kpg Piching, Serian, Manyin was the first Bidayuh to earn a Masters of Arts (MA).
He began his career in politics as an Assistant Minister soon after winning the Tebedu seat in 1996.
Prior to that he served as principal in Serian, Bau and finally at Kolej Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah.
