By Ling Hui
BINTULU, Nov 4: The number of popular votes for GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee in the Jepak by-election — as high as 88.3 pct — reflects the people’s strong support for the Sarawak government’s policies, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the 8,784-majority, which is double of that won by former six-term assemblyman late Datuk Talib Zulpilip in the 2021 state election, is a clear indication of the Jepak community’s confidence in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“I thank all Jepak voters who supported and showed their confidence in GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee, who is now the people’s representative in Jepak.
“This is a sign that our community, especially in Jepak and Bintulu has accepted the policy we planned and will implement to develop Bintulu, especially the Jepak Jaya masterplan proposed by the late Datuk Talib.
“For sure, Iskandar will continue to work on this masterplan,” said Abang Johari at a press conference after the announcement of Iskandar’s victory at Bintulu Civic Centre here earlier today.
Putting the 8,784-majority aside, the GPS chairman said, the low number of votes for the Opposition is also evidence that this democratic process is a reality check.
“I think it’s a clear message that this democracy is not only for us to compete against each other, but also a reality check.
“It is a lesson for all of us but GPS will work harder with this stronger mandate to develop Sarawak into a developed State by 2030,” he added.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari expressed his gratitude to all the Election Commission (EC) officers and police personnel who helped to facilitate this by-election.
He also thanked the GPS component parties for their cooperation and hardwork in explaining the Sarawak government’s policy to the voters.
“I also wish to acknowledge the effort by all the election machinery in Bintulu especially our election director Datuk Amar Awang Tengah (Ali Hasan),” he said.
Iskandar successfully defended N67 Jepak for GPS with 9,638 out of 10,923 votes, defeating Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s (PBK) Stevenson Joseph Sumbang and Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party’s (Aspirasi) Chieng Lea Phing who polled 854 and 431 votes, respectively.
The turnout rate recorded was 48.57 per cent, out of 22,761 total registered voters.
Awang Tengah, GPS deputy election director Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang, and Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus were among those also present. — DayakDaily
