KUCHING: Tell us what you can offer to Sarawakians, instead of just issuing statements merely for the sake of opposing Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
This message to Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) comes from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom who advised the former to follow in the footsteps of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) which is to support GPS for the interest of the people.
“PBK or (party president) Voon Lee Shan is obviously running out of issues while admittedly acknowledging the overwhelming support given to GPS in the 12th Sarawak state election and 15th general election.
“If they cannot offer anything better than GPS for the people, they should follow what PSB is doing – putting ‘Sarawak First’,” Dr Rundi, who is also the Kemena assemblyman, said.
On Sunday, Voon described the call by some GPS leaders for the opposition parties to withdraw from contesting in the Jepak by-election as “an insult to the dignity of Sarawakians”.
He also alleged that GPS, which won 72 out of 82 state seats during the state polls, could bulldoze laws and policies that can affect the state.
Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said freedom of expression is part of democracy; it is an essential foundation of a democratic society.
However, he opined that Voon’s faraway thoughts and interpretations; including “bulldozes laws and policies”, were totally out of the context.
“I think he has gone a little bit far away this time.
“GPS leaders’ view for PBK not to contest was based on the image of the party and their candidate Stevenson Joseph Sumbang – who had already contested in Jepak in the last state polls, and only managed to win 587 votes only,” he said.
The advice or call asking PBK not to contest, Lee opined that, was based on figures or calculations (based on previous state election results).
“I don’t see it as an insult or (GPS leaders) being arrogant, but all these are based on facts and figures, where PBK is unlikely to win.
“They will most probably lose their deposit, thus, isn’t it better not to contest as they have a low chance of winning,” he said.
The Jepak by-election will see a three-cornered fight between GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee and Stevenson (PBK) and Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) candidate Chieng Lea Phing.
The by-election on Nov 4 was called following the death of the GPS incumbent Datuk Talib Zulpilip on Sept 15.
The state constituency has 22,804 eligible voters out of whom 22,671 are ordinary voters and the rest, police personnel.
During the 12th state election in 2021, Talib retained Jepak for a record sixth term after he obtained a majority of 4,248 votes in a four-cornered contest seat.
