PDP strongman claims strong support from Chinese community amid facing four challengers

From left to right: Sawing, Elias, Penguang, Entri, and Pierre.
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By Jaythaleela K

MARUDI, Dec 6: Incumbent for N.76 Marudi Datu Dr Penguang Manggil of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will be facing a five-cornered fight in the 12th Sarawak Election, with opponents representing various political flags, including its former assemblyman, Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran.

This time around, Entri is to stand on Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB)’s ticket. Other contenders for the seat are Elias Lipi from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Pierre Gilbert Young from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), and Sawing Kedit from Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB).

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In the 11th Sarawak Election, Penguang won the seat with a majority of 1,387 votes, defeating PKR’s Elia Bit (4,106 votes) and Independent Louis Jalong (56 votes). Penguang secured a total of 5,493 votes.

He told DayakDaily that he was “extremely confident” because never before in history has the Chinese community in Marudi been so united.

“Previously, Barisan Nasional Sarawak had never received such support from the Chinese community in Marudi. This time, they promised complete allegiance to GPS as they have witnessed development brought to Marudi in the last five years,” said Penguang, who is from Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

There are 16,612 eligible voters in Marudi, and voters from the Chinese community consist 12 per cent. ― DayakDaily

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