KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang is ready to stand in the 15th general election (GE15) if he is given the opportunity.
He said he was confident to wrest the Stampin parliamentary seat from the opposition and deliver it to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“Of course, how can I say no? If I’m given the opportunity, of course, I’ll say yes,” he told reporters when asked if he would contest if he was given a chance to stand in the general election.
When asked further how confident he is in winning the seat, which was held by the opposition, he said, “Very confident. we can get this Stampin back. There was no reason why we couldn’t”.
“We have to win, and we can win Stampin. Because there is no other party that will take care of Sarawak unless it is Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” he said.
Lo, who is also the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman told reporters before witnessing the handover of the park upgrading contract from MPP to the implementing contractor at Lorong Batu Kawah 1C3, Sunny Hill Park here on Friday (Oct 28).
Earlier, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said out of the seven seats that Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) is contesting, three of seats might be fielded with new faces.
“As for the Serian seat, it will remain. And maybe one or two of the (SUPP) candidates who hold a state seat, will be the candidate but will for the first time contest in the GE15,” said Abang Johari.
Lo also echoed the Premier’s remarks that younger candidates should be fielded in the general election.
“if we can promote new people. That’s the best. New people mean strong candidates, and strong candidates can win the election.
“We are building up potential young people that will be able to lead this country. So we have to build up stronger, capable young leaders in our midst, so that they will be able to take over, and the Premier has led the direction,” he said.
He added seats that could be won in the general election were better to be fielded with young and capable candidates.
“But if we cannot or don’t have a strong contender to go out and compete, then we might have to use ADUNs (state elected representatives).
“I think that is why our Premier said there may be one or two (ADUNs) to be fielded as candidates. So anybody can be, Dr Sim Kui Hian can be. I think he’s the best candidate to go out and win this election. But don’t ask me to speculate. No speculation,” he said.
On another note, Lo also said it loud and clear that in this coming general election, Sarawak will compete under GPS.
“Sarawak will go in under GPS led by Abang Johari. This has nothing to do with the Semenanjung-based parties – UNMO, PKR, AMANAH, PAS, DAP BERSATU. Nothing.
“We are going to win a majority together with Sabah – 54 seats, and we’re going to make a difference in Parliament,” he stressed.
“Whoever is right, GPS support, whoever is wrong, then sorry. Because, GPS will go in as a kingmaker to represent the interests of not only Sarawakians but Malaysians.
“Whoever takes care of Sarawak, whoever acknowledges and respects the (agreement) stated in Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). We will (give our) support. That is our stand and the stand of all Sarawak,” he said.
