By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 5: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching youth chief Eric Tay Tze Kok (GPS-SUPP) pledges to obtain more Federal funds and allocations while pursuing a Sarawakians-first policy if elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for P195 Bandar Kuching.
Tay expressed his gratitude in a statement for being chosen as the candidate for Bandar Kuching, saying that accepting the challenge is both an honour and a responsibility.
“As Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has represented Bandar Kuching for the past 18 years or so, GPS faces an uphill battle,” he stated.
He emphasised that all 31 GPS candidates shared the same mission and vision: to protect and defend Sarawak and its interests.
“We are all aware that, under the leadership of our YAB Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, we are regaining our autonomy and rights that have been eroded over the last 59 years, and that we are in a challenging era to make the most of it.
“If GPS is successful in capturing all 31 seats, we will be in the best position to reclaim our eroded rights and autonomy,” he said.
Tay continued by stating that Covid-19 has posed a significant challenge and had a significant impact on the majority of the people in Sarawak, and that it is now time to work together for a better tomorrow and for a progressive Sarawak.
“Together, we can make Kuching a vibrant, new city,” he added.
Earlier, Tay met with reporters at the nomination centre in the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Community Hall and mentioned three issues in his manifesto that he will raise in Parliament, should he be elected.
“In my manifesto, there are a few issues that I have in mind. First, to fight for the rights of Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Secondly, we must fight for our autonomy in health care, education, and taxation.
“Thirdly, this is obviously a major issue for the people of Kuching – to address flooding. Since more than a decade ago, we have experienced flooding annually. So I’d take this issue to Parliament and try to find a solution,” he highlighted.
“This election is important because it determines our future for all Sarawakians. So, please vote for me,” Tay remarked.
GPS-SUPP, DAP, and Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) will engage in a three-cornered battle for the P195 Bandar Kuching parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election (GE15).
Tay will compete against Bandar Kuching incumbent Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (DAP) and PBK president Voon Lee Shan.
In the previous 14th General Election, Dr Yii won the Bandar Kuching parliamentary seat with 45,548 votes against SUPP Woman chief Kho Teck Wan who garnered 12,575 votes.
In the meantime, Tay is one of the new candidates fielded by GPS and is running for the first time.
As for Voon, the PBK president ultimately decided to contest in Bandar Kuching. — DayakDaily
