By Nur Ashikin Louis
SAMARAHAN, Nov 5: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg headed a 4,000-strong group of supporters to send off candidate Rodiyah Sapiee to a straight fight against Lahaji Lahiya (Pakatan Harapan-Amanah) for P200 Batang Sadong.
Abang Johari who is also the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president and Gedong assemblyman arrived as early as 7.50am and marched together with the group for about 200 metres from Rumah Rehat Sri Simunjan to the nomination centre at Dewan Mesra Simunjan here.
At 8.15am, he then departed for another destination where according to a source, it is believed he had gone to support Dato Sri Nancy Shukri (GPS-PBB) who will be standing for P193 Santubong.
Meanwhile, Lahaji arrived at 8.50am with about 60 supporters.
Rodiyah, 44, comes from Tanjung Harapan, Simunjan and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
She has worked in the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) since 2004.
Also present to show their support for Rodiyah were Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo, Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris and former Gedong assemblyman Dato Mohd Naroden Majais.
Aidel is also Rodiyah’s proposer while Naroden is her seconder.
Meanwhile, 71-year-old Lahaji is a former teacher.
His nomination was proposed by Kuswadie Abang and seconded by Aboi Timbong.
The returning officer Zainap Halip announced the nomination counter closed at 10am.
Rodiyah and Lahaji will battle in a straight fight for the Batang Sadong seat, which was previously held by Dato Sri Nancy Shukri for three terms since 2008 until 2022. — DayakDaily
