KUCHING, Oct 25: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has urged Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) not to waste their time and money campaigning in the Jepak by-election since PBB leaders have proclaimed their strength and invincibility to retain the seat.
PBK president Voon Lee Shan pointed out that the resources earmarked for the election campaign should be put to better use, such as to buy books and shoes for underprivileged school children.
“Or it can be used to assist single parents and the poor in Sarawak to make ends meet.
“So instead of campaigning, their (Gabungan Parti Sarawak or GPS) ministers and elected representatives should do their work to tackle social and economy issues affecting the people,” he said in a statement today.
Voon’s comments appear to stem from his lingering dissatisfaction with the recent remarks made by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who stated that only “ant” parties or small Sarawak-based parties would dare to contest against PBB-GPS in the upcoming Jepak by-election, as Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) had chosen not to contest.
While acknowledging PBB’s strength, Voon however reiterated that democracy required PBK to challenge the notion that PBB or GPS could easily secure victory in Jepak as long as PBK candidates were willing to stand against them.
He suggested that perhaps PBB and GPS needed to campaign to persuade Jepak’s voters to support the PBK candidate in this by-election to ensure the presence of an opposition voice in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN).
“Giving a seat away in DUN should not be a big deal to GPS because their voice in DUN could easily intimidate and humiliate the voice of the lone PBK Opposition in DUN,” he added.
The Jepak by-election scheduled to take place on Nov 4 will see a three-cornered fight between GPS’ Iskandar Turker, Sarawak People Aspiration’s Party (Aspirasi) Chieng Lea Phing and PBK’s Stevenson Joseph Sumbang.
The Jepak seat became vacant following the passing of its six-term incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, who had held the seat since 1996 and passed away on Sept 15, 2023, at the age of 72 due to health complications. — DayakDaily
