KUCHING, Oct 18: Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) candidate for Jepak, Iskandar Turkee, has pledged to continue the significant work and legacy of its incumbent, the late Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
In a news report by TVS, Iskandar revealed a close personal connection with Talib due to their family relationship.
During his tenure as the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Sarawak director, he said he had collaborated on various programmes with Talib.
“Therefore it is my responsibility to continue the legacy he (Talib) left behind.
“It is an honour (to be selected as the GPS candidate for the Jepak seat). God-willing, we will succeed and achieve victory,” he said.
Iskandar was met by reporters following the announcement of his candidacy by GPS chairman and Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a hotel in Bintulu today.
The 54-year-old, who dedicated 15 years to AADK before his immediate resignation, intends to leverage his extensive public service experience to win over voters and secure the Jepak seat for GPS.
“I deal a lot with social issues, so here I have the advantage of identifying problems that arise and then taking early preventive measures to help individuals in need so that they don’t get left behind,” he said.
Iskandar also revealed plans to meet with members of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) to strategise for the upcoming by-election.
He emphasised his focus on engaging young voters, recognising their potential to influence the election’s outcome.
So far, two other Sarawak-based political parties have confirmed their participation in the Jepak by-election.
Parti Aspiration Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi) has put forward Bintulu businessman Chieng Lea Phing, 64, as its candidate, while Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has re-nominated 42-year-old businessman Stevenson Joseph Sumbang from Sibu to contest the seat.
The Jepak seat became vacant following the passing of its incumbent for six terms since 1996, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, on Sept 15, 2023, at the age of 72 due to health complications.
In the 2021 Sarawak Election, Talib secured the Jepak seat with 6,277 votes, surpassing PSB’s Rabaáh Tudin (2,034 votes), PBK’s Stevenson (587 votes), and independent candidate Tuah Kazan (141 votes).
The Election Commission has fixed Oct 21 as the Nomination Day, with polling day set for Nov 4. According to the updated electoral roll, Jepak has a total of 22,804 registered voters. — DayakDaily
