BINTULU: The candidate for the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) who will represent the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the Jepak state by-election remains unknown and will only be revealed in a few days’ time.
Nineteen branches of PBB Northern Zone have expressed their support and full confidence in Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in the selection of the party’s candidate to represent the coalition to ensure that a big victory can be obtained.
On Sunday (Oct 15), Abang Johari hinted that the potential candidate will be a local from Jepak and from the Vaie ethnic group.
However, the actual identity of the candidate will only be known after the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) screening.
The Jepak by-election, which will take place on November 4, sees an increase in voters from 14,643 during the 12th State Election to 22,804 voters; 22,761 are ordinary voters while 43 are police officers.
It is held following the death of its assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip, 72, on Sept 15. The late Talib, who was formerly also a Minister in the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman), had served as Jepak assemblyman for six terms since 1996.
Constituents from Jepak hereby share their views of the candidate they desire to continue the development of Jepak.
VILLAGE CHIEF MELUDA BAKAT
We will support whoever is chosen by the Premier. However, we hope that he/she will be able to work hard for the people so that all the plans for the Jepak that have been planned by the late Datuk Talib Zulpilip can be continued and realised.
The candidate must also be someone who is able to think rationally and make decisions regardless of differences in religion, race or culture. We want all the communities here to progress together.
LAYUNG NAKUN
In my area where the majority of the population are Ibans and Malays, we prefer a candidate who’s mature, experienced and often goes to the field. This is important because only such leaders can understand the wants and needs of the people.
In addition, we want a local candidate who knows the issues in Jepak constituency and is easy to deal with regardless of race. There is no denying that we already have a candidate of our own choice whom we hope will become the people’s representative but it is up to the Premier to decide.We will support his choice.
MULIA ARU
The most important thing is that the Jepak seat must be won by a candidate from PBB so that the development programmes in the constituency can continue successfully. I want continuous development so that the standard of living and the economy of the local community can be improved.
The candidate’s race does not matter. What’s important is that he/she will work hard and is always on the ground. He/she must also be good at interacting and listening to the people’s grievances and is knowledgeable on various issues.
VILLAGE CHIEF JEBA RAYANG
I really hope that the new representative is someone who is sincere and will always listen to people’s problems and needs. I want a leader who can solve the issues facing the community quickly and efficiently so that he/she can bring more progress.
The candidate’s age does not matter as long as he/she is sincere in working for the people.
