By Shikin Louis & Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 6: Individuals campaigning on the ground, making appearances on social media or wearing Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) attire cannot assume they have secured the coalition’s election ticket for the 13th Sarawak Election (PRU13) until they receive their official appointment letters (watikah), says Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said anyone was free to visit constituencies they hoped to contest and campaign for the consideration of the party, but the final decision on who would represent GPS rested with its chairman and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Well, they have not been given any watikah yet. Anybody can go down to the ground and visit the constituencies they hope to contest in, in the hope of being selected by one party or another,” he said.
Abdul Karim was responding to questions about individuals who had started campaigning through social media livestreams and making appearances in constituencies while wearing GPS shirts.
He said those hoping to contest under GPS should also be prepared to accept the party’s decision and support whoever was eventually nominated if they were not selected.
“But if they still hope to be nominated under GPS, those who are not selected must close ranks and support whoever is eventually nominated by GPS in their respective constituencies,” he added.
On reports of groups or individuals expressing opposition to incumbent representatives in constituencies including Jepak, Jemoreng and Simunjan, Abdul Karim said such developments were common ahead of elections.
He noted that social media had made it impossible to prevent individuals from voicing their opinions, including those claiming to represent voters in a particular constituency, even without an organised group or supporters behind them.
“At the end of the day, it is Premier, our President, the one that we give the mandate who will have the final say,” he said.
Abdul Karim said Abang Johari would not make the decision without first considering feedback from various quarters, including surveys and views gathered from people in the constituencies, community elders, women and youth, as well as opinions expressed on social media.
He added that lobbying by prospective candidates was also common, particularly in constituencies where new faces were expected, with several individuals sometimes vying for the same seat.
“There is nothing wrong with lobbying. In constituencies where we know there may be new candidates, there are usually many people lobbying for the position, sometimes four to five candidates. But the final decision still rests with the Premier,” he said.
Abdul Karim also questioned why some aspiring candidates only began visiting constituencies and appearing on social media shortly before an election, saying such behaviour was part and parcel of the election process. — DayakDaily
