KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak-Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (GPS-PBB) Jepak manifesto focuses on local development, says a political analyst.
Prof Dr Novel Lyndon stressed the significance of political manifestos in the electoral process, shedding light on the content and implications of the GPS-PBB 14-thrust manifesto for the Jepak by-election.
According to him, while any political party typically presents its manifesto, GPS-PBB’s offering stands out for its focus on local development.
“Any political party will come out with a manifesto. The manifesto offered by GPS-PBB is more focused on local development issues, such as physical development, human capital development and socio-economic development,” he said when contacted.
Dr Novel underlined the predominance of local concerns over national issues, noting that the document addresses matters closely tied to the rural communities of Jepak, where agriculture plays a vital role.
Furthermore, he noted that Jepak is predominantly inhabited by Bumiputera, making the local issues even more pertinent.
“N67 Jepak is considered a safe seat for GPS-PBB,” he added.
The professor lauded the quality of the manifesto, calling it “very good”.
However, he also stressed the importance of translating these promises into tangible outcomes.
In Malay terms, he expressed the need for “janji mesti”ditepati” – promises must be kept and realised, saying that the responsibility to translate these developmental promises into reality primarily falls on GPS-PBB.
As the ruling party, he said they have the potential to make the manifesto’s objectives a reality.
“The only political party that can translate this development into reality is PBB-GPS, because they are the ruling party,” he said.
The upcoming Jepak by-election is set to be a hotly contested three-way clash, with three prominent candidates vying for victory.
The candidates are Iskandar Turkee representing GPS, Stevenson Joseph Sumbang from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Chieng Lea Phing of Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi).
This electoral showdown is scheduled for Nov 4, following the death of incumbent Datuk Talib Zulpilip, on Sept 15.
