By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Sept 11: The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) vice-president Datu Penguang Manggil believes that three of the party’s incumbents could win their respective seats in the coming state election.
The three are Penguang himself in Marudi, Datuk Henry Jinep (Tasik Biru) and Rolland Duat (Meluan).
“For the three of us, I strongly believe and am confident that we can deliver for GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) in our areas,” Penguang told DayakDaily when contacted today.
On its remaining five traditional seats, Penguang who is also Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing said he would leave the matter to party president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to decide and to announce their candidacy.
“We leave the candidacy to our president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to make the necessary announcement. But suffice to say that the win in these seats will be a bonus to us.
“This is true especially for Ba Kelalan and Krian where we have a strong chance to claim back the seats from the opposition,” he said.
For Ba Kelalan, Penguang said his party has the fighting chance to take back the seat from Baru Bian, who won the seat as a PKR State chairman in the 2016 State election, but until recently, has left the party to join Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB).
“As for Krian, its incumbent Ali Biju will give way to PDP as he will not defend it in the coming election,” Penguang revealed.
Ali, who is also Saratok MP won the seat as a PKR candidate in the last State election, but like Baru, has also left the party and joined the ruling Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition partner, Bersatu.
In the remaining three PDP seats, their incumbents, namely Tan Sri William Mawan in Pakan, Rosey Yunus (Bekenu) and Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau) have since joined Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), a linchpin of GPS. — DayakDaily
