LAWAS, Oct 23: Lawas voters want a new face to be their representative in the 15th General Election (GE15), says former Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) vice president Peter Asut.
He claimed that for the past six months of his stay in Lawas, he had received mixed reaction and feedback from the Lun Bawang, Malay and Chinese communities where most of them want a new face to be their representative in GE15.
He noted that Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has recently hinted that age and education were the main factors when deciding candidacy for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Following that, he said it would be natural to believe the rumours that incumbent Santubong MP Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, 77, and Lawas incumbent Dato Henry Sum Agong, 76, may not return to defend their seats.
“The fifth term representative (Henry) is 76-years-old. It is high time to pass the baton to a new face who is dynamic and visionary to develop Lawas.
“The Lun Bawang have many capable people of various professional fields and legal backgrounds to replace him.
“Additionally, he may face strong challenge from the opposition too,” he said in a statement today.
Peter further said the inclusion of new voters aged 18 and automatic online registration in this upcoming general election, will see voting for younger people who are of calibre to debate and speak up in Parliament.
“The result of GE14 cannot be used as indicator to measure the people’s support during this coming GE15,” he added.
Lawas is expected to see a three-cornered fight between Gabungan Parti Sarawak-PBB, Pakatan Harapan-Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s Japar Suyut who is PKR Lawas branch chief, and rumoured Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) candidate Baru Bian. — DayakDaily
