By Lian Cheng
SERIAN, Dec 9: It may be a five-cornered on N21 Tebedu on paper but in reality, it is a straight fight between Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) candidate Dr Simon Sinang Buda and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) candidate Cheyne Kambeng who is better known as Raymond Achen.
Other candidates joining this battle at Tebedu are Senior William Made from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Jonathan Lantik from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and independent Roland Bangun.
According to patrons from Tebedu at a coffeeshop in Serian, it will be a close fight between Sinang and Achen with the other three candidates not getting much attention.
A farmer from Kampung Tebedu Bades, Nyuent Ganchi, 62, said both Sinang and Achen have their own strengths.
To him, Sinang is an identified successor of former Tebedu assemblyman Datuk Amar Michael Manyin, 77, who is retired from politics. This has placed Sinang in a good position as Manyin’s contributions and deeds as an assemblyman are generally recognised and acknowledged in the constituency.
Nyuent expressed disappointment over Manyin’s retirement but he knew that it was inevitable.
Like other villagers met at the coffeeshop, Nyuent said Manyin and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) had brought about development for Tebedu in general where basic facilities such as road networks, water supply and electricity were no issues for residents except for those staying in pockets of new settlements involving one or two houses.
Due to Manyin’s track record, support for GPS’ new candidate is obvious.
However, PSB candidate Raymond is also a popular figure among Tebedu residents.
“The candidate from the ruling coalition will have an advantage but PSB has fielded a very popular figure as a candidate. That has made it difficult for us to choose.
“However, I think Sinang will be able to make it but only with a very slim majority,” said Nyuent.
Meanwhile, other youths from Tebedu met at the coffeeshop all pledged loyalty to GPS as they were satisfied with the performance of ruling coalition in the area. — DayakDaily
