‘Choose a candidate who prioritises service above all else, for it is through dedicated civil servants that positive change is made.’
– Anonymous
It is election season once again in Sarawak, this time in the state constituency of Jepak.
Compared to eleven months ago during the 15th General Election (GE15), the atmosphere is more subdued but still captivating.
The Jepak seat became vacant due to the passing of its former assemblyman, the late Datuk Talib Zulpilip. In his place, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has nominated Iskandar Turkee, a former director of the Sarawak National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
Iskandar, a Melanau, is seen as someone similar to Talib – a dedicated civil servant who is determined to make a positive impact in the community.
Choosing a local candidate like Iskandar for GPS was expected and received well without any controversy. He is seen as a straightforward person who prioritises service above all else, which is refreshing considering the often negative nature of politics.
We could benefit from having fewer controversial figures and empty rhetoric in politics that rely on populism and social media popularity to gain political advantage.
With over 30 years of experience in public service and the private sector, holding various senior positions in the government, the GPS candidate for Jepak has the potential to bring great value to the constituency in terms of its development.
Iskandar, in his first interview after being chosen as the GPS candidate, expressed hope for strong support from the people of Jepak and the grassroots leaders of PBB Jepak sub-branch.
He highlighted his 15 years of experience with the national agency, emphasizing his ability to identify social issues and take early preventive and intervention measures to help those affected.
Regarding continuing Talib’s legacy, Iskandar considers it an honour for himself and his family, as he has familial ties with the former assemblyman and has previously worked alongside him.
Today is the nomination day for the Jepak by-election, and as of now, two other candidates from Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (ASPIRASI) and Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) respectively have been announced.
ASPIRASI has put forward businessman Chieng Lea Ping, a well-known figure in Bintulu with business interests in the jewellery and hospitality industries. Chieng, who is 64 years old, has also announced his manifesto, with a notable promise to donate his assemblyman salary to the people of Jepak.
PBK has named Stevenson Joseph Sumbang, a former police officer and an Iban, as its candidate for the upcoming Jepak by-election. Stevenson had previously contested for the Jepak seat in the 2021 Sarawak state election.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) will not field a candidate in this election although PKR, its principal component, claims the constituency as its traditional contest arena. The decision lay with PKR Sarawak, who chose to abstain from participating in the polls to provide a clear path for GPS-PBB, an ally in the Unity Government. This decision has the support of the national leadership council, despite calls by a PH component party, the Democratic Action Party (DAP), for PKR to contest to honour the democratic process.
Similarly, Perikatan Nasional (PN) will not field its candidate to focus on the Kemaman by-election.
Senator Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, the chairman of PN Sarawak, stated that PN Sarawak will not support or be involved in any campaign against GPS in this by-election.
Jepak has a total of 22,804 voters, including 22,761 ordinary voters and 43 police personnel, according to the September 15, 2023 electoral roll.
The constituency, established in the 1996 seat redistribution, includes Kuala Tatau, Sri Dagang, Jepak, Segan, Sungai Nyigu, and RPR Sibiew.
Talib had represented Jepak since its formation under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner and later under the GPS banner.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
