By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 28: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has reiterated that he will contest in Stampin in the 15th General Election (GE15) if given the opportunity.
Speaking to reporters after handing over a Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) contract for a recreational park project at Sunny Hill Garden this morning, Lo is also confident that Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) will wrest the seat back from Democratic Action Party (DAP).
“How can I say no? Of course I will stand in Stampin if given the opportunity. If you ask whether I am ready or not, my answer is ‘yes, since six years ago’. We’ve been working on the ground every day and every night.
“My team and I have been working tirelessly since six years ago (when Lo won in the 2016 State Election) to continuously bring development and to help the people in the area. The people on the ground here know that very well,” Lo asserts.
Although SUPP prefers to put forward new and younger candidates, Lo explained if they don’t have a strong contender to go out and compete, then the party will have no choice but to put up their existing assemblymen to fight because they must win in the election.
On the other hand, he acknowledged that the party must nurture and train their younger members because these are the one that will be candidates and leaders one day.
“I am also very confident that we can take back Stampin for SUPP and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). Remember, politics is all about winning games,” Lo said optimistically.
“GPS parliamentarians will go in as the kingmaker to ensure Sarawak and its people’s voices are heard and to continue fighting for our rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he insisted.
Stampin has been traditionally allocated to SUPP, which held it under Datuk Yong Khoon Seng for five terms.
In 2013, DAP’s Julian Tan Kok Ping won and secured a total of 41,663 votes against Yong who received 22,993.
In the 2018 general election, DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen retained Stampin by securing 33,060 votes after toppling SUPP president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian who garnered 14,221 votes. — DayakDaily
