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By Nur Ashikin Louis and Chris Bishop
BINTULU, June 10: Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil did not contest for Progressive Democratic Party’s (PDP) deputy president post to avoid crossing swords within the party.
Penguang shared that he had initially received many nominations from his supporters for the post, but after taking into consideration the party’s interest, unity and stability, he decided to withdraw his nomination to avoid even the smallest fight during the party’s election.
“We are already a small party. Suppose we have to go through an election. In that case, we will definitely ‘cross swords’ during campaigning later, so I do not want that to happen, and I don’t want the party to become destabilised just because of my personal interest.
“What is more important to me is that I would be able to serve the rakyat (people) or community of N76 Marudi constituency,” he said when met by reporters after the PDP’s Triennial General Assembly (TGA) at Dinner World Restaurant here today.
Penguang is also Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Marudi assemblyman.
He had sent a letter of his withdrawal from contesting for the post to PDP president Dato Seri Tiong King Sing and the PDP TGA organising committee during the commencement of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting last month.
“I have also explained to my supporters last night that in the interest of the party, I will not contest,” he added.
Despite withdrawing his nomination for PDP’s deputy president post, it was still a happy ending as Penguang was appointed to helm another top post—senior vice president I. Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Transport (Maritime and Riverine) and Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep won the deputy president post.
At the same time, Penguang said the new PDP’s lineup must work together and communicate more with the grassroots supporters who are the foundation of the party’s strength.
“Like me, my branch (PDP Marudi Branch) has the greatest number of members at over 8,500.
“That is why in the last election (12th Sarawak Election), my majority (vote) was almost 6,000 compared to 1,378 vote-majority in the previous 11th Sarawak Election.
“From there, you can see that we are gaining momentum, and secondly, people see what you have been doing. If we can deliver, especially in terms of development, then that is it,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
