By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Dec 16: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Pujut veteran Talha Mansoor, 86, believes that Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) candidate Adam Yii can take back N74 Pujut in the 12th Sarawak election.
“As long as we (Gabungan Parti Sarawak and all its component parties) stand united…if possible, we must avoid a split in votes,” he said when met today at his residence in Piasau Jaya here.
“God willing, if 30 per cent of the Bumiputera in Pujut stand united and rally their support behind Adam Yii, together with the Chinese community, GPS will be able to wrestle back the seat,” he said.
In the 2016 State election, Pujut was won by Democratic Action Party (DAP) candidate Dr Ting Tiong Choon, who was later disqualified by the Federal Court due to his holding dual citizenship in February 2020.
Ever since, the seat (N74) had been left vacant.
In the 11th State election, Dr Ting polled 8,899 votes to win Pujut in a four-cornered fight against Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Hii King Chiong, who garnered 7,140 votes, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas) candidate Jofri Jaraiee (513 votes) and independent candidate Fong Pau Teck who received 375 votes.
Talha also urged voters in the Pujut constituency to choose their elected representative wisely and opt for the party which is proven to be able to deliver its promises.
“Do not opt for a party that only makes sweet promises but can’t deliver, but instead choose a party that has a proven track record,” he asserted.
Since independence, he said, Sarawak has undergone drastic transformation and Pujut is no exception.
“We have progressed in many ways, be it socially, economically or politically, and we must maintain that,” he said.
Born in 1936, Talha has been involved in PBB’s election campaigning activities since the 1960’s during the era of Sarawak’s third Chief Minister Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Ya’kub and Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who later became Sarawak’s fourth Chief Minister.
Talha’s last position in PBB Pujut before he retired was as its treasurer, which was about 10 years ago.
Blessed with six children and 18 grandchildren, he is embracing his retirement and spending time with his loved ones.
