By Roslan Mutu
KUCHING, Nov 14: Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben is optimistic that his constituents will give victory to P199 Serian incumbent Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem in the Nov 19 polls.
Kedup, one of the three State seats in P199, has some 19,128 voters. The other two State seats are Bukit Semuja, which has some 25,000 voters, and Tebedu (20,000 voters).
“I can say that in Kedup, we can win 100 per cent. However, we won’t know the majority,” Martin said when asked about the response to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for P199 Serian.
He said his evaluation was based on the current mood of the voters in his area.
“We are doing our level best. And we have been camping here at the markas (operation centre). But so far, so good. In this second week of campaigning, we will improve our campaigning methods from kampung (village) to kampung, and we will follow through the schedules of the markas so that the teams will move systematically,” he said.
Martin added that his Kedup election machinery had been activated since the last State election, which was held in December last year.
On a related issue, Martin, who is also Deputy Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development, revealed all Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) elected representatives have been instructed by their president, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, to campaign for all GPS candidates to ensure their victory in the Nov 19 polls.
“Even though the three of us (assemblymen) in P199 Serian are from PBB, I think that is immaterial. We look at GPS.
“That has been the directive of our president, also chairman of GPS, that we must win (all the 31 seats in this general election). We must contribute to the 31 parliamentary seats (that GPS is targeting).
“That’s why we can guarantee that P199 Serian will be one of that,” he asserted.
Similarly, Bukit Semuja Assemblyman John Ilus said he had activated his machinery to support Riot to ensure his victory.
“We have also organised our teams to reach out to the Undi18,” said John.
Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada also gave the assurance that his party machinery has been activated to assist in the campaign.
“In this GE15, we are one team, regardless of our political parties,” said Dr Sinang.
Meanwhile, Riot, who is Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) deputy president, said he would continue to work hard until the last vote is counted, even though his campaign machinery has been working smoothly.
“Even though we have been working very hard and closely among the component parties and the three ADUN (elected representatives), we will continue to work hard, especially to reach out to the Undi 18,” added Riot.
Riot is facing three other candidates, namely former deputy director of Customs (Sabah and Labuan) Dr Alim Impira, who stood as an Independent candidate; Elsiy Tingang of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB); and Learry Jabol of Democratic Action Party (DAP).
In the last GE14, Riot won in a three-cornered fight with a majority of 9,905 votes. — DayakDaily
