By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 12: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) has unanimously nominated Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem to defend his Serian seat in the 15th General Election.
SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the party has finalised its choice of candidates for all the seven parliamentary seats allocated.
“Riot is the incumbent and yes, we have nominated him to defend Serian. However, it is up to our Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to make the final decision and announcement.
“This includes the names of six other potential candidates for Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Sarikei, Sibu, Lanang and Miri,” Ting told reporters at the ‘Cats Around The World’ event held in conjunction with the 25th Miss Tourism International World Final 2022/2023 press conference today.
Riot, 71, is SUPP deputy president and has been Serian MP since 1990.
If Abang Johari consents to SUPP’s proposal, Riot will be going for his eighth term.
In the 2018 general election, out of seven SUPP candidates fielded, Riot was the only one who successfully defended his seat.
He polled 17,545 votes to win by a majority of 9,905 votes, defeating Edward Andrew Luwak of Democratic Action Party (DAP) and independent candidate Senior William Rade.
Party president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian had previously announced Riot’s candidacy in September. — DayakDaily
