KUCHING: Sarawak Aspiration People’s Party (ASPIRASI) has made a shocking decision by withdrawing from contesting in the 15th general election (GE15).
Its party president Lina Soo in a statement today said the collective decision was made after consulting party members, supporters and wellwishers, including going through the process of appointing research firms to undertake independent surveys to gauge grassroots sentiments
She said many factors have contributed to the party’s decision to sit out this general election, with the first reason ASPIRASI does not support the dissolution of Parliament to make way for GE15 at the end of the year where the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had announced that the Northeast Monsoon will occur between Nov 2022 and March 2023.
“In addition to the adverse weather forecast, Malaysia is still facing the COVID-19 public health threat where a wave of a new mutant variant could occur any time. It seems the government is willing to risk the lives of its citizens and ASPIRASI will not be complicit in this,” she said.
Another reason, she said, is the crowded marketplace where too many parties are competing for the prize of a parliamentary seat.
“Sarawak is already so divided, and were ASPIRASI to enter the fray, this creates a split vote to benefit certain parties only,” she added.
The party has previously announced to contest in Mas Gading, Puncak Borneo, Serian, Bandar Kuching and Stampin.
ASPIRASI, she said, would not participate in the general election just for the glamour of contesting and hidden agenda, knowing this will result in a split vote and give a skewed outcome which does not reflect the will of the voters.
She added the party will uphold its principles to prove its political integrity and dignity, by refusing to play the spoiler role and becoming a stooge.
She also called upon youths to take charge of Sarawak’s future by taking an active part in politics to choose the government they want to deliver the future they want for Sarawak.
“With all that said, we’ll be back, because we are not quitting, and we will come back stronger than before. This is our promise,” she added.
