KUCHING, Nov 3: Prominent incumbents from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) dropped from the 15th General Election (GE15) line-up are Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat of Betong and Dato Sri Rohani Abdul Karim of Batang Lupar.
Political secretary to Sarawak Premier Dr Richard Rapu has been named to replace Chuat who has served for only one term in Betong, while a young newcomer Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, 37, will take over Batang Lupar from Rohani, who is a four-term MP.
They are among the three PBB new faces fielded to contest under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) flag this parliamentary election which was announced by GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg after the presentation of writs to all 31 GPS candidates at PBB Headquarters in Jalan Bako today.
Another major shift also took place at Santubong with the fielding of Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, confirming earlier speculations that she will succeed four-term MP Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who has decided to step down.
Filling in for Nancy in Batang Sadong is also a newcomer in the form of 44-year-old civil engineer Rodiyah Sapiee.
The PBB incumbents who will be defending their seats are Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof (Petra Jaya), Datuk Rubiah Wang (Kota Samarahan), Datuk Willie Mongin (Puncak Borneo), Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab (Tanjung Manis), Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (Igan), Dato Hanifah Taib (Mukah), Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi (Kapit), Lukanisman Awang Sauni (Sibuti), Hasbi Habibollah (Limbang) and Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lawas).
In total, PBB will be contesting in 14 out of 31 seats in GE15. — DayakDaily
