By DayakDaily Team
ENGKILILI, Oct 23: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Engkilili has backed the party’s claim to the N.33 Engkilili seat, with branch committee member Tuai Rumah (TR) Dabong Baok urging GPS leadership to consider former Lubok Antu MP Jugah Muyang as its candidate in the coming Sarawak election, citing his proven service record and close ties with the community.
Dabong said he supported SUPP president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian’s declaration that Engkilili is a SUPP Bumiputera seat, including the announcement made at a recent event at Rh Kennedy, Langkang Ulu, Engkilili, witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and several elected representatives.
He said the declaration underscored the importance of respecting the existing seat-sharing arrangement within GPS and recognising SUPP’s role in the constituency.
“SUPP should be given the opportunity to nominate a candidate to represent the party and GPS in the coming election, subject to the coalition’s established procedures and final decision,” he said in a statement today.
Dabong said the party’s seat claim should be given due consideration by GPS leadership in determining the candidate for Engkilili, particularly in light of the political developments involving incumbent assemblyman Johnical Rayong Ngipa.
He noted that Johnical was previously associated with SUPP before joining Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB). Following PSB’s dissolution, the incumbent subsequently joined Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), another component party of GPS.
“SUPP has potential candidates who could be considered for the constituency, including Jugah. The former parliamentarian’s previous contributions to the community, extensive local connections, approachable personality and courteous manner are among factors that had earned him goodwill among local resident,” he shared.
According to Dabong, Jugah had continued engaging with residents and, based on his observations, was receiving support from various sections of the population.
He said a candidate’s suitability should not be judged primarily by publicity or social media presence, but by the quality and consistency of their service to the people.
“Let his service and contributions speak for themselves,” he said, adding that a prospective candidate should be assessed on his record, genuine engagement with residents, understanding of local concerns and commitment to the constituency’s development.
Dabong also stressed the importance of political consistency and constructive cooperation with the government in ensuring that Engkilili continued to receive attention for development projects, public services and assistance.
“The people of Engkilili need a representative who would remain committed to their welfare and work effectively with the relevant authorities to pursue development projects, public services and other assistance for the community,” he said.
Frequent changes in political allegiance, he observed, could raise concerns among voters about political consistency and continuity of representation.
“When an elected representative changes party affiliation, the people he represents should not be the ones who bear the consequences of any resulting political difficulties,” he said.
He expressed concern that political differences between an elected representative and the government could potentially complicate efforts to secure development assistance, stressing that constituents’ interests should remain the priority regardless of political affiliation.
On accountability, Dabong said voters were entitled to expect elected representatives to fulfil their responsibilities in return for the salaries, allowances and other official benefits they received.
He maintained that public office should come with a clear commitment to serving the people, with the welfare of constituents taking precedence over personal or political considerations.
“The people deserve a representative who understands their concerns, maintains close contact with the community and works consistently to improve their lives,” he said.
Dabong emphasised that his views were intended to highlight the importance of respecting the GPS seat-sharing arrangement and taking local expectations into account, rather than creating divisions among the coalition’s component parties.
He expressed hope that SUPP and GPS leadership would carefully consider the status of the Engkilili seat, the potential candidates available within SUPP and the expectations of the local community before making a final decision.
“Engkilili deserved a representative who is accessible, courteous, committed to public service and attentive to the needs of all sections of the constituency,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
