By Lian Cheng
BINTULU, Nov 4: Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) victory in the Jepak by-election is a resounding endorsement for Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s premiership.
This is the opinion of political scientist Prof Dr Jayum Jawan of Universiti Putra Malaysia who pointed out that the majority has increased when compared to that of late Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
For this by-election, GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee managed to defend the seat with a majority 8,784 votes by garnering 9,638 votes against Parti Bumi Kenyalang candidate Stevenson Joseph Sumbang’s 854 and Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) candidate Chieng Lea Ching’s 431 votes.
With a turnout of 10,923 voters, GPS’ popular vote stands at 88.3 per cent.
“The 88 per cent is a clear message that the Malay/Melanau community endorses Abang Johari’s leadership, although the voters’ turnout is quite low.
“As we practice first-pass-the-post voting, it is nevertheless a very sweet victory,” Dr Jayum told DayakDaily.
The Jepak seat became vacant following the passing of its six-term incumbent Talib who had held the seat since 1996 and passed away on Sept 15, 2023, at the age of 72 due to health complications. — DayakDaily
