By Nur Ashikin Louis, Nancy Nais and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 3: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is fielding 24 new faces in the 12th Sarawak Election while Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is confirmed to be contesting in Gedong.
Abang Johari, in making the announcement for GPS’ full candidate list for the State’s 82 constituencies today revealed that Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will have about eight new faces, while there will be four new women candidates.
“We have presented the writs to candidates who have been screened. I believe the candidate line-up comprises those with experience and have the capacity to execute their duties as elected representatives in their respective areas.
“We will introduce a few new faces aged in their 30s to 40s, with all them being professionals. This will guarantee continuity for Sarawak,” he told a press conference at PBB Headquarters today, referring to GPS’ philosophy of constant renewal.
On the criteria for the selection of GPS candidates, the GPS chairman and PBB president briefly replied without further elaboration that, “Loyalty is important.”
GPS’ senior leadership, he emphasised, will train these new candidates and expose them to the Sarawak-style of politics which is aimed at fighting and striving for a multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural Sarawak.
“Only Sarawakians know the political landscape of Sarawak. which is why GPS’ theme is ‘Sarawak First’ with our aspiration for the future of Sarawak based on the new digital economy with emphasis on sustainability and environment.
“This is GPS, when we talk, we do it,” he added.
Abang Johari said the coalition comprising of four component parties of PBB, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) will be using GPS’ ‘Hornbill’ logo during the polls for the first time in an election.
“We have for the past four years continued with the efforts of Tok Nan (the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem) under Team Tok Nan.
“We will soon unveil our (GPS) manifesto for the coming Sarawak polls,” he said.
SUPP president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, PRS deputy president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum and PDP president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing were among the dignitaries present at the event.
Sarawak will go to the polls on Dec 18 (Saturday), while nomination day is set on Dec 6 (Monday). — DayakDaily
