By Jacob Achoi
BAU, Nov 15: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) deputy president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the party has finalised its candidates for the eight seats it intends to contest in the coming Sarawak election.
“On our (PDP) candidates, we have identified and finalised them, and it is now up to the party president (Dato Sri Tiong King Sing) and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to decide,” he told reporters after the closing ceremony of the ‘Program Pendidikan Pemangkin Pembangunan Insan’ at the Bidayuh Cultural Centre here today.
The eight seats are Tasik Biru, Meluan, Krian, Marudi, Dudong, Bawang Assan, Engkilili, and Ba’kelalan.
When asked whether he would be retained as the candidate for Tasik Biru, Henry declined to reveal whether he was among those shortlisted.
“We will wait and see until we receive our letters of appointment (surat watikah),” he said.
However, he said he was ready to face the election if renominated, adding that he had been preparing for it for a long time.
On the possibility of multi-cornered contests in the seats PDP intends to contest, Henry said he was unaware of how many candidates would enter the fray.
“It could be three; it could be four. It is now election time, and this is the democratic process. Everyone eligible has the right to contest, and we welcome them,” he said.
Henry also declined to comment on whether multi-cornered contests could split votes for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“That one I cannot comment on. Let the voters comment,” he said.
On the programme, Henry urged students to make full use of the opportunities provided by the Sarawak government to improve their academic performance.
He said the State government, under the leadership of Abang Johari, had provided various platforms for the younger generation to excel academically and contribute to the State’s further development.
Also present was Bau District Officer Eddy Nayoi. — DayakDaily
