KUCHING, Jan 19 — Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and his cabinet members will continue to pursue whatever had been done by his late predecessor, Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

"We will continue to fulfil all promises made by Adenan when the state BN won convincingly in the state election about eight months ago.

"We will work as a team and will do our best to deliver all what had been promised,” he told the media in his first media conference today, following his appointment as the new chief minister last Friday.

Earlier, Head of State, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and Abang Johari witnessed the swearing-in of his cabinet members at the State Legislative Assembly Complex here.

On the devolution of power negotiation with the federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Abang Johari said he too, would continue to pursue the matter.

"I am very fortunate as I am in the main committee in the negotiation process. Therefore, I will continue with what had been negotiated on the various subjects within the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Malaysian Constitution,” he added.

Commenting on his line-up, the chief minister said it would basically remain the same for the time being except for the ministry of finance and economic planning which received additional portfolios.

Asked why he had not appointed a third deputy chief minister which was done under Adenan’s administration, he reiterated he wished to concentrate on pursuing what had been done or planned by Adenan.

"Give me time...I will reshuffle the cabinet when the time comes.” Abang Johari said although he was leading four ministries, they would not be a burden to him as he had many capable assistant ministers to assist him.

On Umno, he added: "We will continue to work closely with Umno in the spirit of the Barisan Nasional.” On the coming by-election for the Tanjung Datu state constituency for which the Election Commission had fixed nomination on Feb 4 and polling on Feb 18, he said the schedule was fine with the state BN.

Abang Johari said he had yet to know or receive the names of potential candidates for the state seat for which the late chief minister was incumbent.

"We are still mourning the death of the incumbent...but the Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu will hold its supreme council meeting to deliberate on the matter this Saturday.

"We want a candidate who is not only qualified but winnable, as well,” he added. — Bernama