By Nur Ashikin Louis, Ling Hui and Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Nov 3: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) maintained that it has no fear in facing down opposition heavyweights in any parliamentary seats including P205 Saratok because all its candidates are ever ready to put up a good, if not the best fight possible, this 15th General Election (GE15).
GPS secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this in response to a question from the press on GPS’ preparation, especially to face Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) heavyweight Datuk Ali Biju who has confirmed that he will be defending Saratok on a Perikatan Nasional (PN) ticket.
“We are preparing all the same and will do our best in every election. It does not matter whether (facing) heavyweights or not because as always, we prepare our best.
“If we are unable to wrest back the seat, there could probably be issues outside our control,” he told reporters after Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg unveiled the full GPS GE15 candidate list at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Headquarters in Jalan Bako here today.
That being said, Nanta who is the caretaker Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, said that there was a post-election reflection so as to not repeat the same mistakes in the next election.
“So for this election, we are gearing up and give only the best to reclaim and defend all the (31) seats,” he added.
He also emphasised that the GPS GE15 candidate list, with a mix of old and new faces, is the outcome of the best decision by the top leaderships in that it reflected the needs and aspirations of the people in Sarawak.
“As part of the culture of GPS in every election, we field young people as among the new faces while maintaining some of those with experience.
“GPS did not rush to announce the 31 candidates as there are certain procedures and processes that must be followed through and complied with,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Nanta who will be defending the P215 Kapit seat in pursuit of his sixth term as its MP, said he is confident of retaining the seat given that he had been a constant presence on the ground, and not only for one or two days.
“In addition, my service centres are also actively serving the constituents. My officers and assistants are managing the people’s matters. As such, I am confident that I will be able to win the seat,” he said.
Kapit, which comprises the State constituencies of Pelagus, Katibas and Bukit Goram, has been a PBB stronghold since 1978. Nanta has held the seat for five terms since 1999. — DayakDaily
