By G Thomas
MIRI: Former Miri mayor Datuk Lawrence Lai is emerging as a serious challenger for the Miri parliamentary seat.
With defending two-term incumbent Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng out of the picture as he was not renominated by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Lai of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) will be the most senior and experienced candidate if Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) fields Sarawak United People’s Party newcomer Jeffery Phang as candidate.
Lai, who is a lawyer and served as mayor for six years, looks well-received by the crowds whenever he visits them on his rounds.
He is going around the constituency daily, accompanied by his team that includes local leaders of Parti Bumi Kenyalang, Parti Aspirasi, Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak and Sarawak 4 Sarawakians.
Lai will also be definitely ahead compared to Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat candidate Chiew Choon Man. Chiew, 31, is also a lawyer.
He was chosen by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to replace Dr Teo when Anwar flew in on Tuesday (Nov 1) for a pre-election visit.
Anwar did not give reasons for dropping Dr Teo. He only said there were young, capable people in PKR who should be given a chance.
Lai, Phang and Chiew have never contested in any state or parliamentary election but in terms of age and professional experience, Lai is way ahead.
For the coming 15th general election (GE15), how they campaign, and the backing from their respective parties and grassroots, will determine who will eventually emerge as winner on polling day, Nov 19.
Miri has up to 143,000 voters, a huge increase from the 86,000 plus in GE14.
