By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Dec 3: Padungan seat will see a battle of ‘David versus Goliath’ proportions in the 12th Sarawak election.
Describing himself as ‘David’, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng who received his writ as the chosen candidate by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today will face opposition heavyweight Chong Chien Jien, the ‘Goliath’ from Democratic Action Party (DAP).
First time candidate Wee, who will contest under Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition said although he is the underdog and heading into a battle to face a stronger adversary, he was not afraid but was all set on taking on Chong.
“As we all know, Padungan constituency is a seat which has been traditionally held by the opposition for years. However, I will do my best.
“You all know me. Although I am new in politics, I dare to take the challenge because my stakeholders are not the opposition, but the people of Padungan. I was born in India Street and I grew up here so this place is not an unfamiliar territory for me,” Wee told reporters at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters today.
Believing in respect against his opponent, Wee on the other hand hoped that it will be a fair fight.
Realistic about his chances, Wee said he believed in the trust of the voters and will leave it to them to decide.
“I don’t want to talk much about chances. Nobody can predict how the votes will come out. However, to be fair to me, I want the voters to know that I am more than willing to serve so I hope a chance will be given to me to do so.
Known as a straight shooter, Wee said he is contesting to win, and not for fun.
He asserts that everyone who contests definitely want to win.
“From the time I served India Street up to now as the mayor including in the tourism sector for 17 years and seven years with Kuching North City Council (DBKU), the people can see what I have done for them.
“Many people believed that Padungan does not need much development anymore, but that is wrong. As time goes by, there is a lot of regeneration needed for this area.
“Take the 160 years old India Street as an example. If we did not do a facelift, it would have been long gone or faded away. Now, look at how vibrant this place is. Even the property prices have shot up tremendously and it is now among the most expensive rental properties in Sarawak,” Wee added.
SUPP first lost Padungan to Dominique Ng (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) in the 2006 Sarawak Election.
The current incumbent Wong King Wei stood under DAP and won the seat in 2011 with whooping 11,957 votes against Sim Kiang Chiok (4,073) from Barisan National and Ng (439) who stood as independent candidate.
He was re-elected in 2016 after garnering 9,332 votes against Pau Kiu Sung (5,062) from Barisan National and Teo Kuang Kim (STAR), who only managed 116 votes.
However, Wong announced his resignation from DAP on July 26, 2020 and has since remained an independent. — DayakDaily
