BINTULU, Nov 1: Voters in Jepak have been urged to fulfill their democratic responsibilities by going to the polls on Nov 4 and ensuring Sarawak’s voice through Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) resonates more powerfully at the federal level.
GPS secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that the support of the people is pivotal in ensuring the success of GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee in securing a significant mandate that will propel the ongoing development initiatives in Sarawak, including in Jepak and Bintulu.
“We want to achieve a large majority because this shows the strong support from the people who expect the government, State leadership and its representatives to drive progress.
“With larger majority, our voice will be further amplified at the central level,” he said in a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) today.
Addressing a ‘Meeting with Leaders’ programme at Rumah Philip Bogong in Jalan Ulu Sebauh here, Nanta, who is Federal Works Minister, reiterated that Iskandar’s nomination by the GPS leadership was based on his capacity and background to articulate the voices of Jepak’s constituents.
“The party leadership holds high expectations for Iskandar to be an elected voice for the people as GPS recognised his capabilities to work alongside the existing State leadership in advancing our community.
“Numerous (people) aspire to become candidates, yet the party leaders recognise in him the traits of a conscientious, accountable, and well-educated representative of the people,” he emphasised.
Highlighting the visionary leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Nanta praised the latter’s audacity in reclaiming many of Sarawak’s constitutionally stipulated rights.
“His courage in confronting federal leaders to advocate for Sarawak’s rights has led to significant positive changes, evident in the growth of Sarawak’s revenue,” he added.
Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Bumiputera Laws and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad, and Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor were among those present.
Meanwhile, the Jepak by-election set on Nov 4 will see a three-cornered fight between GPS’ Iskandar Turkee, Sarawak People Aspiration’s Party’s (Aspirasi) Chieng Lea Phing and Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s Stevenson Joseph Sumbang.
The Jepak seat became vacant following the passing of its six-term incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, who had held the seat since 1996 and passed away on Sept 15, 2023, at the age of 72 due to health complications. — DayakDaily
