KUCHING: Dr Richard Rapu, a political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, has been named to replace Betong incumbent Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat for the 15th general election (GE15).
He is among three Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) new faces contesting under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) banner.
The 59-year-old is a veterinarian by profession and is married with two children.
Prior to being the political secretary to the Premier in 2016, he was a veterinary officer and project leader at Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) from 1988 until 1995. He was also a businessman until April 2008.
This was announced by Premier and GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here today.
Rapu was the political secretary to Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia from May 2008 until April 2013, followed by political secretary to Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Malaysia from May 2013 until May 2016. He is the Bukit Saban PBB secretary.
On his nomination, he expressed his gratitude to the GPS leadership for giving him the opportunity to contest in Betong.
“As a new face, I will continue the legacy and work of the former MPs, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Lawson.
“Among the focus would be to improve the rakyat’s economic status, modern agriculture and entrepreneurship activities involving youths.”
In the 14th general election, Lawson beat independent candidate Abang Ahmad Abang Suni and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate Noel Changgai Bucking.
