GPS’ Hanifah and PH’s Abdul Jalil cross swords for second time in Mukah

Hanifah (third right) poses with (from fifth left) Royston, Fatimah, Abdul Yakub and others in a group photo at the nomination centre today (Nov 5, 2022). Photo credit: Alwin Lawrence

By Nur Ashikin Louis

MUKAH, Nov 5: Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib (Gabungan Parti Sarawak-Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) is set for a second showdown against Abdul Jalil Bujang (Pakatan Harapan-Parti Keadilan Rakyat) in a straight fight for P213 Mukah in the 15th General Election (GE15).

In GE14, the two who were make their federal election debuts at the time, fought for the seat which had been held by Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah (Barisan National-PBB) for eight terms from 1982 until 2018.

Hanifah won the seat with a 7,000-vote majority.

This time, Hanifah is aiming to stage a successful maiden defense while Abdul Jalil will be trying to stop the streak.

The 50-year-old Hanifah accompanied by 600 supporters arrived at 8.36am in front of Menara Pehin Setia Raja Mukah today, to file her nomination papers.

She was joined by Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine as her proposer and Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi as her seconder.

Meanwhile, Abdul Jalil arrived 10 minutes later together with his proposer Abdul Halim Dee and seconder Zulkipli@Terawih Abdullah.

Election Commission (EC) returning officer Shafrie Saili announced the closing of the nomination counter at 10am.

Also present was Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister-cum-Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. — DayakDaily