KUCHING, Oct 25: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has decried Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin’s statement on the need for a “new face and not a recycled face” for Julau seat as being disrespectful to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component party’s independence in choosing its candidate.
PRS deputy information chief Andy Lawrence emphasised that Julau is the traditional seat of PRS and more importantly, it is also PRS president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum’s seat, which he has helmed for four terms from 1999 to 2018.
“His comment shows an element of prejudice and hostility not only towards PRS but also of personal dislike of PRS president (Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum)
“What does YB Rolland Duat mean by ‘recycled face’?” he questioned in a statement today.
Elaborating, Andy pointed out that Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) lost the Pending State seat in the 2011 election but was fielded again in 2016 in which he won.
“Datuk Sebastian Ting lost the (Miri parliament) seat in the 2013 and 2018 general elections but won in 2016 and 2021 in DUN (the Piasau seat),” he said.
Andy also asked if Rolland’s statement meant that he will not be supporting any other GPS candidate apart from a candidate of his preference.
“If that is to be the case, then he (Rolland) is neither respecting the decision of the Premier (of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) nor members of GPS components (parties),” he added.
As for PRS losing the Julau seat in 2018, Andy said a survey showed that Meluan voters supported an independent candidate.
“If the people of Julau have the opportunity to be represented by the president (Salang), there will be no reason why they want to settle for anything less,” he emphasised.
Andy was reacting to Rolland’s statement emphasising that the people want a new people’s representative in Julau for the 15th General Election (GE15), while hinting that he knew who the suitable person is but will let the Premier make the announcement.
Based on voices gathered from the ground in his Meluan constituency and Pakan constituency, which are part of Julau parliamentary constituency, Rolland expressed confidence that GPS will be able to wrest back the Julau seat from the Opposition with a new face. — DayakDaily
