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WORKS Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has confirmed he will not defend his Kapit parliamentary seat in the next general election, bringing an end to his nearly 30-year tenure as a federal lawmaker.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general, however, said he was not walking away from politics, but would continue his political journey through a different platform.
Alexander said he was interested in contesting a newly proposed state assembly seat within the Kapit parliamentary constituency, known as Melekun, if it is approved and gazetted before the next Sarawak state election.
“I am quite firm in my decision to let go of this parliamentary seat. I am not retiring from politics, but may continue the struggle in another way, not as a member of Parliament,” he told Berita Harian.
The five-term Kapit MP said he believed it was time to make way for younger leaders to take over the role.
“For almost 30 years, I have been an MP. I have served in various capacities, including as deputy minister in the Rural Development Ministry, minister in the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, and now the Works Ministry.
“I think it is time to give opportunities to the younger generation (in Parliament),” he said.
Alexander’s potential move to the state assembly comes as Sarawak prepares for its next state election, although GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg previously said the matter of Alexander contesting a state seat had yet to be discussed by the party leadership.
Alexander said he had already expressed his interest in becoming a candidate for the proposed Melekun seat, subject to confirmation by the Election Commission (EC).
“It needs to be confirmed by the EC. We understand the EC will conduct the public display exercise and announce it later.
“If there is a new state seat in the Kapit parliamentary area, I have stated my intention to contest there,” he said.
He said moving to the state level would allow him to focus more on Sarawak’s development, particularly in Kapit, even without holding the position of a federal lawmaker. – August 12, 2026