KUCHING: The only Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate that will contest in the upcoming Pujut State By-election is the one announced by the State BN Chairman, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stressed this during an interview after gracing the presentation of Raya contributions held at Masjid Al-Taqwa, Kampung Pinang Jawa here yesterday.
He pointed out that it was normal before any general election or by-election for individuals to promote themselves as potential candidates.
“But at the end of the day, the official candidate will be announced by Abang Jo and that’s it. Speculation is just merely speculation,” said Fadillah, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief.
The Minister acknowledged that members of BN component parties were currently campaigning on the ground in Pujut.
“What is more important that when the candidate has been chosen, everyone should respect the choice of candidate made by the party leadership and give full support to the chosen candidate.
“And yes, the main reason for such a decision is because Abang Jo believes he or she could be of service to the people of Pujut,” added Fadillah.
The Pujut State By-election is being called after its incumbent State Assemblyman, Dr Ting Tiong Choon from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) was disqualified from the State Legislative Assembly on 12 May over his Australian citizenship.
In the 11th Sarawak State Election in May last year, Dr Ting scored a 1,759-vote majority after defeating three other candidates, Datuk Hii King Chiong (from BN), Jofri Jaraiee (PAS) and Fong Pau Teck (Independent).
