KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan believes Iskandar Turkee who will represent Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the Jepak by-election, will win with a large majority.
Stating that Iskandar is a good candidate he called for solid support from the people so that the he could continue the state’s development agenda.
“However, there are some who still want to contest. Indeed, they can contest as we are practicing democracy. But, they should face reality if they do not have a chance to win.
“Even if they do win, what are the agendas that they are going to bring? They should think about this.
“On the other hand, we have our agenda towards 2030 that is to bring Sarawak towards a developed and high income state,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who is also Deputy Premier said this to reporters after officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Longi Malaysia Snd Bhd’s new plant at Samalaju Industrial Park, Bintulu on Friday (Oct 20).
He then said Bintulu is a centre for investment and development apart from the manufacturing sectors but also the oil and gas (O&G) sector.
“In politics, we (GPS) want to improve the wellbeing, increase investments, ensure employment opportunities and have our children trained in skills so that they can enjoy a high salary.
“Therefore, why would you (opposition candidates) want to contest? Will there be a chance to win?
“But, for us, it is clear that GPS is a strong government and our Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has a lot of policies in place, so we should work together instead,” he said.
The by-election was called following the death of incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, 72, on Sept 15.
The Election Commission (EC) has fixed Oct 21 for the Nomination Day and Nov 4 for polling.
Thus far, both Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Democratic Action Party (DAP), which are part of the Madani Unity government have announced their decision to not contest this time around.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), on the other hand, has announced that Joseph Sumbang would be its candidate to contest in the seat, and Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi) has announced Bintulu businessman, Chieng Lea Phing as its candidate.
