At a press conference today, Foo, who courted controversy earlier for openly criticising Chief Minister Adenan Satem over candidate selection, explained why he chose to remain with the ruling coalition despite earlier stating he was prepared to lose his candidacy.

Foo said that although BN had its shortcomings when it came to governing the country, he was confident of bringing changes to the system and ensuring the ruling coalition became more effective in resolving the people’s many issues.

“There is no doubt that Sarawak will be governed by BN after the election, but I will always speak the truth and scrutinise malpractices and shortcomings in the government.

“If we remain outside BN, it would be hopeless,” he said, adding that internal supervision was just as important as the external scrutinisation the Opposition was famous for.

Citing the need for political power to be divided equally among all races, Foo said the Chinese community needed a representative within government to prevent members of the community from feeling they were not being represented.

Foo stressed he would always speak up for the people without fear or favour, even if it came to issues pertaining to the state’s chief minister.

“I represent the people, not the government. People send me to the state assembly to speak for them, not for me to speak for the government.”

Foo, who also unveiled his manifesto, said he planned to develop Pending by turning it into a dynamic business community. He said affordable housing, quality education and improving the welfare of the people were also other areas of focus.

Prior to this, BN leaders called for Foo to be replaced as a candidate and to leave the coalition after his outburst against Adenan.

Foo subsequently apologised and retracted his remarks, while Adenan said the matter was settled and that it was time to move on.