KUCHING, Nov. 29 -- Simanggang incumbent Datuk Francis Harden Hollis has confirmed he will be defending the seat he has represented since 1996 in the coming state election.

A statement issued by his office yesterday said Harden made the announcement when officiating an event organised by the Chinese community of Taman Pasir Panas in Sri Aman on Saturday.

"I want to take this opportunity to announce that I will defend Simanggang seat as a GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) candidate. I still have many development agenda which needs to be continued in Simanggang.

"Therefore, I need solid support from the Chinese community to realise the development agenda. I am optimistic the Chinese community, who are known to be forward thinking and emphasis...