However, he expressed an interest to contest in a state seat in the next Sarawak election, with the approval of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Borneo Post reported.

The Kapit MP, who has represented the parliamentary constituency for almost 30 years, said the time has come to pass the baton at the federal level to younger leaders.

“Perhaps the time has come for me to hand over to the younger generation because we already have them prepared as part of the party’s programme,” he told reporters at the PBB headquarters in Kuching today.

“However, if there is an opportunity, I am interested in standing in the state polls, maybe in a new state constituency. But that depends on the party leadership.”

Asked whether he had a particular state constituency in mind, he said it would definitely be within the Kapit parliamentary constituency.

Nanta, who is PBB secretary-general, added that there could be a possibility of a new constituency being created in Kapit.

On a separate note, Nanta said the Kapit Cultural Festival would continue this year, while a pre-Gawai dinner would be held in Song on May 1.