PBK president still unsure whether to contest in Bandar Kuching or Stampin in GE15

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Nov 2: With less than three days to nomination day, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan is still uncertain if he will contest in Bandar Kuching or Stampin parliamentary seats in the coming 15th General Election (GE15).

Voon said that he himself and party member Lue Cheng Hin have been identified for the two urban seats with the “watikah” (writs) already issued to both by Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), whose logo PBK will contest under. 

“However, the problem now is I have to raise some money for myself as deposit in the next two days (in order) to stand in the election, otherwise I may not stand in the coming GE15. 

“We have the watikah for myself and Lue but we are to decide among ourselves (which seats) as we may swap come Nomination Day. 

“What is certain is that we are the candidates now so don’t worry where we will stand as long as the voters and supporters recognise us,” he told a press conference to hand over the watikah to its confirmed candidates.

Clarifying a news report published yesterday that he was confirmed to be contesting in Bandar Kuching, Voon just replied that they are still contemplating where he should stand “but the press threw me in Bandar Kuching”. 

“It is confirmed (GE15 candidacy) but most importantly, I must get the money first,” he added.  

Following PBK’s alliance with PSB and Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) for GE15, all their candidates will contest under the PSB logo, except in Mas Gading constituency where the candidate will stick with using PBK’s logo. 

Voon added that any decision made will take into account and respect the aspirations and wishes of the people.

“The people want all local Opposition parties in Sarawak to come under one unit to fight so as to ensure there is no clash in seats contested. 

“This is to ensure we have better chances at victory. Our main focus is to fight against the two giants of GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) and Malaya-based political parties, especially DAP (Democratic Action Party), all of which have deep roots in the country,” he said. 

With that, Voon called on the public and voters to donate and help to raise the deposit so that he can have the opportunity to stand in this GE15. 

“I appeal to the voters to please send all PBK candidates into Parliament or at least me to go to Parliament to speak because I have the real knowledge and courage to speak for the people of Sarawak,” he added.

Lue and PBK’s Puncak Borneo candidate Tomson Ango were present. — DayakDaily