BINTULU: Iskandar Turkee, Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) candidate for the Jepak by-election, hit the campaign trail today (Oct 22), to garner support from the local community in his debut outing.
Accompanied by Deputy Premier cum GPS Election Director Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, the 54-year-old candidate took time out to mingle at Laman Selera, Kampung Warisan Jepak.
Iskandar thereafter engaged with women and youths in a casual (santai) programme organised by the Puteriku-Sayang Jepak Squad at the Kampung Jepak Hulu Multipurpose Hall.
About 70 women and youths attended the programme, aimed at familiarising them with the GPS candidate.
Iskandar dedicated about 20 minutes to interacting with members of the Puteriku-Sayang Jepak Squad, as well as the women and youth of Kampung Jepak Hulu.
After that, he proceeded to meet with locals and fellow traders at the Sebiew Fish Market.
The upcoming Jepak by-election will be a three-cornered contest, featuring GPS’ Iskandar, Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s (PBK) candidate Stevenson Joseph Sumbang, and Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak’s (ASPIRASI) candidate Chieng Lea Ping, all vying for the vacant seat.
The Jepak state seat became vacant following the passing of Datuk Talib Zulpilip on Sept 15 due to kidney complications after being admitted to a medical centre on September 14.
The late Talib had represented the Jepak constituency for six terms since 1996.
Polling will held on Nov 4.
