By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 3: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) is fielding two engineers namely Giendam Jonathan Tait and Lidang Disen to reclaim its lost seats of Saratok and Mas Gading respectively in the 15th General Election (GE15) which will poll on Nov 19.
For new faces such as Giendam, it will be a Herculean task to wrest back Saratok, which is held by Datuk Ali Biju, a popular leader who is known for his friendly approach – though it isn’t an impossible task.
Saratok consists of the State constituencies of Krian, Kalaka and Kabung.
Though Ali may command a considerable amount of influence in Krian, he may not have the same magic touch in Kalaka and Kabung which are held by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and are Malay-majority seats.
After the unveiling of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) full candidate list at PBB headquarters at Jalan Bako today, Giendam did not say much but only put across to the media that he will work hard together with the three State lawmakers to recapture the seat.
From this, it is very clear that PBB will not stand aside to allow PDP to fight alone, but will chip in to ensure that Saratok be returned to GPS’ fold.
Comparatively, Lidang’s journey to be a parliamentarian will be a much smoother one especially with the help of Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep who has been introducing him to the voters of Mas Gading.
Furthermore, Lidang will be facing an incumbent from DAP, Mordi Bimol, who has been said to be missing in action ever since elected.
It is thus believed that the new candidate will be able to garner some substantial support from the ground.
Party president Tiong King Sing has been defending Bintulu for the last five terms since he was fielded in the constituency in 1999.
While previously he had been facing one of Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) top leaders Chiew Chew Sing, this time round, he will be facing a young cub – Tony Chiew, Chew Sing’s son.
With Tiong’s popularity among the Iban voters in the area, Tiong is expected to continue to retain Bintulu which is made up by four State constituencies of Jepak, Tanjong Batu, Kemena and Samalaju.
Anyi Ngau, PDP candidate for Baram which is made up by Marudi, Mulu and Telang Usan is expected to have a tough time campaigning due to the North East Monsoon season, the rough terrain and the sheer vastness of the constituency.
Ngau will be able to count on the support of the effective assemblymen of all three state constituencies, namely Datuk Penguang of Marudi (PDP), Datuk Gerawat Gala of Mulu (PBB) and Dennis Ngau of Telang Usan (PBB). — DayakDaily
