KUCHING: The political background and experience of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Iskandar Turkee for the Jepak state by-election are very fitting and relevant, said political analyst Professor Dr Novel Lyndon.
He said that this is because social issues surrounding youth are often associated with drugs and alcohol problems.
Novel said that Iskandar’s experience as a former director at the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) Sarawak could help in formulating a specific module for youth, such as a Self-Development Module (Modul Pengukuhan Diri) and a Self-Resilience Module (Modul Daya Tahan Diri).
“I see that he will win with a high majority due to the absence of involvement from the Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan parties.
“The parties that might compete could be splinter parties or independent candidates who are likely to lose their deposit in this by-election,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted today (Oct 18).
Novel added that among the main issues that would be the focus are political and development issues.
“For example, development issues in the Jepak area, particularly concerning the local community in Jepak.
“It could also be issues related to land, electricity, the digital divide, and physical development,” he said.
He mentioned that these issues would be the focus for both independent candidates and candidates from local parties as well.
“I believe Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) will not compete because they have expressed their support for the GPS-led government and is in the process of merging with the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
“In conclusion, the Jepak constituency is a safe seat due to the excellent record of the incumbent (Datuk Talib Zulpilip) in serving the community in Jepak.
“Moreover, this is a rural area and predominantly inhabited by the Malays and the bumiputeras,” he said.
Earlier, GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president, had announced Iskandar as the candidate to represent GPS in the Jepak state by-election set on Nov 4.
To date, three names have been confirmed to run for the Jepak seat ahead of the nomination day scheduled this Saturday, including Iskandar. Stevenson Joseph Sumbang is representing Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), while Chieng Lea Ping is representing People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi).
Voters in Jepak will cast their votes on Nov 4 in the by-election, with early voting set on Oct 31 following the demise of the late Jepak incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, on Sept 15.
