SEMATAN, Nov 10: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will field at least 20 new faces, including young leaders, in the coming 12th Sarawak Election, hinted Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He also said that some incumbents may be dropped and there will be changes for some of the seats.
“While I do not have a perspective of the percentage (of new candidates), I believe there would be no less than 20 of them, be it from PBB, SUPP, PRS and PDP.
“PBB recognises the importance of youths (in politics) and will make the necessary adjustments, especially for the new candidates who will be fielded and young leaders in their 30s will be among them,” he told a press conference after officiating at the Ziarah Belia @ Tanjung Datu programme held at Palm Beach Resort here today.
However, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Sports pointed out that these young leaders were selected because they already possess the skills and experience in their respective careers and involvement in non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“We want a leader who has the heart and soul for public service, who really wants to serve the people and has the ability to look after a constituency.”
Elaborating on incumbents to be dropped in the coming election, Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya incumbent, believes that they will respect the decision of the top leadership.
“Sarawak has its own way whereby those serving as elected representatives when advised or informed that they would not be nominated, will respect the decision.
“Perhaps in other places (in the country), those feeling unsatisfied with such a decision would jump to other places (parties) to contest. But this does not happen in Sarawak, be it in PBB or other component parties in the GPS coalition as we have our own culture,” he said.
As for the women’s candidacy, he emphasised that women’s representation will not be neglected as GPS recognised the role of women in development of Sarawak.
“If not mistaken, from PBB there are four incumbents who may continue to defend their seats or their representation will be increased.”
With that, Abdul Karim said it is all in the hands of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is the president of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and PBB to announce and reveal the candidate list in due time.
Tanjung Datu incumbent Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu was present. — DayakDaily
