By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 19: Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) Datuk Henry Sum Agong, 76, again proved his mettle to emerge as the winner in a three-cornered fight in P222 Lawas, defeating former Selangau MP Baru Bian of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) and Japar Suyut of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Despite his age, Henry Sum who is the oldest among all 15th General Election (GE15) candidates in Sarawak, has managed to defend his seat with a majority of 5,677 by garnering 11,361 votes against Baru’s 5,684 and Japar’s 1,163 votes.
This was the first time he has faced off against Baru, who moved to do battle in P222 Lawas from P214 Selangau.
P222 Lawas comprises Bukit Saban and Ba’Kelalan State constituencies, with Baru the elected representative for the latter.
This election, however, is not the first time Henry Sum has contested against Japar, an old rival whom he first met in the 2008 general election.
The Lawas federal seat was created in 2008 and that was the year that Henry Sum made his debut and also met Japar in a straight fight.
Henry Sum was able to beat Japar with a majority of 7,792, by garnering 8,526 votes against Japar’s 734 votes.
The fourth-term MP during the GE15 campaign period pledged to fight for Sabah State Railway services to be extended to Lawas.
Henry Sum, when met at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) earlier tonight where GPS leaders had gathered to wait for polling results to be announced, said his personal victory was not important but GPS’ was.
“What is most important about my win is that GPS can continue to bring benefits to the people.
“GPS will continue to serve the people with its caring policies which also focus on bringing betterment to the future of the younger generation.
“The future is theirs, and GPS will head towards the direction of making their future better,” said Henry Sum. — DayakDaily
