By Lian Cheng
BINTULU, Nov 2: Due to a four-fold voter increase and the anticipation of low turnout, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is working “doubly hard” in its last thrust to ensure a high turnout for the Jepak by-election, which will poll this Saturday (Nov 4).
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women chief Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said there has been an increase of 8,161 new voters in the constituency.
During the 2021 Sarawak Election, the total voters for Jepak stood at 14,643 and has since increased to 22,804.
“Very often when it comes to a by-election, the turnout is not as good as a state election or general election. People tend to think that it is not as important because the government is already there. That is what we noticed. For a by-election, the turnout is always lower.
“Number two, this time, we have many new voters; the number has increased by four-fold. This is because of Undi 18, and automatic voter registration,” said Fatimah when met by the media after meeting with 24 Bintulu NGOs at a local hotel here today.
She said though there was a large increase in voters, younger voters may not be able to make it for this by-election as a considerable number may be outstation due to education and work.
“So these are what we categorise as ‘undi di luar kawasan’ (voters out of the area), and we want to make sure that they know their responsibilities, that they are now registered voters, where they are supposed to vote, their voting centres. We are targeting this issue now towards the end of the campaign period,” said Fatimah who is also Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister.
For voters who are already in the area and those who have previously voted, GPS plans to reach out to each of them. The strategy involves sending them reminder slips with their name, polling center, and the closing time of the polling center.
Furthermore, voters who have participated in previous elections are encouraged to remind the new voters in their households to go out and vote.
For voters with disabilities or those whose polling stations are located far from their residences, transportation will be provided to ensure their participation.
Fatimah emphasised that all these efforts are aimed at conveying the importance of by-elections, explaining that “when you turn out to vote, your support for the government will be translated into the vote that you have cast.”
“With that, then other people in other states can see the support for the government is very strong, that the support for GPS is very strong,” said Fatimah.
Regarding local issues, Fatimah acknowledged their existence but pointed out that the GPS Jepak by-election manifesto, which outlines 14 thrusts including affordable housing, more resettlement and village expansion schemes, more assistance to longhouses, infrastructure building and training for SMEs, traders and hawkers has addressed these issues such as housing, land and poverty.
“We want to also convince the people that when the government says something, the government will walk the talk.
“I am sure by now, people can see that Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) and the government of the day are serious in making sure that we will be able to reach the target of being a developed Sarawak with high income, solidarity and inclusivity,” said Fatimah.
On Nov 1, GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee will face off with candidate of Parti Aspiration Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi) Chieng Lea Phing and Stevenson Jospeh Sumbang of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) in a three-cornered fight. — DayakDaily
