KUCHING: Iskandar Turkee, formerly director of the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA), has the credentials to bring progress to the Jepak constituency.
Given his tenure in government he has accrued experience, capabilities and a good track record, said political analyst Professor Datuk Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman.
He said the 54-year-old candidate from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) instilled confidence in Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s decision to pick him.
“We believe there is confidence among Jepak voters in his (Iskandar) capabilities, which made the president of PBB not hesitate to entrust him as the candidate in the Jepak by-election.
“It will also elevate Jepak to a better level than before to ensure this area does not lag behind in the rapid development taking place in Sarawak at this time,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Wednesday.
Elaborating, he hoped the chosen candidate will ensure the Jepak community is also involved in the wave of development, especially in terms of job opportunities.
Fadzil emphasised that development should involve various aspects, including the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the expansion of downstream businesses, and the strengthening of local products that can be produced in Jepak.
“This is to make Jepak one of the areas developing alongside the overall development in Sarawak,” he added.
He also stressed that the selected candidate should prioritise issues that have not received sufficient attention in their respective areas.
“This includes the progress of infrastructure and facilities that still need improvement.
“For example, the Pan Borneo Highway is witnessing rapid progress, and I hope the people in Jepak can also experience the flow of development so that all Sarawak residents can benefit from this progress,” he said.
Jepak, located in the Bintulu parliamentary area, is a Gabungan Pari Sarawak (GPS) stronghold.
The majority of votes obtained by the late incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip for six consecutive terms never fell below 3,000, and his first participation as a GPS candidate in the 12th State Election saw a majority of 4,243 votes.
With the announcement of Iskandar as the GPS candidate, three other names identified to contest in the Jepak by-election are Stevenson Joseph Sumbang from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Chieng Lea Ping from Parti Aspiration Rakyat (Aspirasi).
The nomination of candidates for the area with over 22,000 voters is set for Oct 21; early voting day will take place on Oct 31; and the election is slated for Nov 4.
