KUCHING: Tasik Biru incumbent Datuk Henry Harry Jinep looks forward to a new mandate from the people through the upcoming 12th Sarawak state election so that he can continue to bring more development for his constituents.
He said over the past five years since the start of his term in 2016, he had brought significant development to his constituency and hoped to contribute even more.
In an exclusive interview with New Sarawak Tribune on Thursday (Nov 25), he expressed his readiness to face the state election.
“I have been prepared ever since I was elected. I still go down to the ground to meet my people, to see and listen to their problems, and to try to resolve issues. It is ongoing and I am ready to face the battle,” he said.
With regard to the election being held in the new norm and with standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place, he assured that they would abide by the guidelines, emphasising that health was more important than politics.
He anticipated a four-cornered fight for the Tasik Biru constituency in the coming state election.
“Perhaps it will be between Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), and of course Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). We will defend and fight,” said Henry.
When asked if the opposition had played up any issues thus far, he said they had alleged that Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects were being given to cronies.
“But for RTP projects, we do not hold the money and the selection of contractors is through the Resident and District Office.
“Sometimes they go by the drawing of votes. We ourselves do not know who the contractors are. So that (allegation) is totally baseless,” he clarified.
He said the opposition could not raise issues regarding development in his area as he had contributed significantly and comprehensively in terms of development.
“When there are no other issues, they would try to create a lot of personal issues. But in politics, I don’t stoop low to such tactics and I do not respond to it also,” he said.
In the previous state election in 2016, Harry contested against Mordi Bimol of DAP in a straight fight for the Tasik Biru seat. Harry won with a majority of 1,288 votes.
