SPAOH: Former Betong Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat has declined to be re-nominated for the 15th general election (GE15) on his own accord.
He said there was neither coercion or duress made; and it was purely a personal decision in wanting to make way for a new and younger leader to take over.
“It was my own decision and I have full confidence in Dr Richard as my successor and a future leader for Betong based on his wide experiences as a political secretary for more than 14 years at both federal and state levels,” he said.
“Within that stretch of time, he has travelled extensively and is no stranger to Betong folks,” he said this when speaking at two election briefings for PBB grassroot leaders at two separate functions here today.
Chuat was joined by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Dr Richard, who is also the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for Betong for GE15.
He also urged all Betong voters and in particular, the Undi18 and new voters, to give their fullest support to Dr Richard, who is also a new face.
Adding on, he said Sarawak parliamentarians had very important tasks to carry out in the parliament.
“They still have much to do in restoring more of Sarawak eroded rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“We have just opened the door, so to speak, and there is a lot for us to search inside. So Betong should contribute one seat to the GPS.
“If GPS can win all 31 seats, it’s voice will be stronger,” said Chuat who is now Bukit Saban director of operations in the Betong parliamentary election.
He also said there was also another compelling reason why GPS needs more parliamentarians as Sabah and Sarawak are supposed to have 35 per cent of the parliament seats under the MA63.
“We have yet to achieve this. This will allow both Sabah and Sarawakian parliamentarians to play more prominent roles in the parliament and in the federal administration.
“As such we need all the seats we can get. I believe I have reached the end of the road in my political career. It is time to make way for the new leaders,” he added.
Chuat started his political career when he stood for elections in the Bukit Saban state constituency in 2006 and in 2011 for his second term. He then continued as Betong MP in the May, 2018 election.
