By Lian Cheng
BINTULU, Nov 1: After 12 days on the campaign trail, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for the Jepak by-election Iskandar Turkee is undeterred by the challenges and is determined to persist.
Despite dmitting that it was “definitely challenging”, especially the daily long distance journeys to longhouses situated far inland or at the end of the river, Iskandar when met at Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof’s “Meet The People” session at Kampung Kemunting, still looked to be in high spirits and energetic with no sign of lethargy.
“For me, this is a new experience. Before this, I did outreach and meeting with clients when I worked with AADK (National Anti-Drugs Agency)—the approach (to election campaigning) is the same but the aims were different.
“This is definitely challenging, especially heading to longhouses which is very far— some at the end of river— but for me, I can still manage. I will continue to meet the voters in the interior, at the coastal areas, as well as at villages,” Iskandar said when met by the media.
Travelling across the whole of Jepak constituency is no easy feat. Sometimes he has to make an abrupt U-turn or cross a river, just to meet voters who have already gathered at one place, waiting to meet him. These are just a few of the unforgettable moments he has encountered so far.
By hook or by crook, he will reach the meeting place, because he knows that these voters had made the efforts to be there so that they may get to know him.
“I have been to all the villages in Jepak constituency, and these few days, we have been focusing on campaigning in longhouses in the day time.
“We went to places leading to the coastal areas, and also areas leading to Sebauh and all the way to Tatau. I have been meeting longhouse chiefs. There are still a few more areas where we will go,” said Iskandar.
He said in all the places he had visited so far, the support for GPS has been very encouraging. To him, this shows that voters are well aware of the contribution of GPS.
“For example, there used to be no water and electricity in longhouses but now, many of the longhouses are enjoying all these facilities and amenities, which GPS brought about.”
The same applies to villages including Kampung Jepak (which consists of nine villages) which is now equipped with a community hall, futsal court, new mosque, and now MARA Junior Science College (MRSM).
He said GPS has made good on its promises and this has been proven.
“I appeal to all voters, on Nov 1, come out to vote in droves, so that GPS may win with a big majority,” said Iskandar. — DayakDaily
