TRANSLATED BY NATASHA JEE
BINTULU: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Jepak rejects a candidate who is not a local or a Vaie to ensure continuity in the development that is being actively implemented in the constituency.
During the branch meeting recently, the leadership committee stated their firm stance that the candidate for the Jepak state by-election must be a local and comes from the branch.
PBB Kampung Sebuan Besar-Kecil Jepak sub-branch chief Hai’dz Waslie said the same stance was also emphasised during a meeting with the PBB Supreme Council members during the recent PBB 2023 Northern Zone Special Convention held at Bintulu Civic Centre.
“We do not want candidates from outside the Jepak branch or parachute candidate to be nominated for the Jepak by-election.
“The candidate must be selected from members of PBB Jepak branch. This candidate will know more about the ins and outs of the party and the many problems in Jepak that have not been resolved for more than 20 years,” he said on Tuesday (Oct 17).
Hai’dz further said the voice of the grassroots was very important to be heard and taken into account, including in determining the candidate who will represent Jepak, especially when facing the by-election that will be held on November 4.
“This action taken is not meant to oppose the decision of the party’s top leadership, but it is a sign of love for the PBB party and not for personal interests or certain groups,” he said.
Therefore, he hoped that the leadership of PBB would take appropriate action to fulfill the wishes of the grassroots in Jepak and respect their decisions.
“PBB Jepak branch committee members and PBB Jepak sub-branches leaders will continue to fight for the interests of the people and ensure the selection of suitable candidates to represent them in the Jepak by-election,” he said.
The by-election for Jepak state constituency is necessitated by the death of its assemblyman, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, 72, on Sept 15.
The Election Commission (EC) has fixed Oct 21 for nomination day and Nov 4 for polling.
The late Talib, who was a former Minister in the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman), had served as Jepak assemblyman for six terms since 1996.
In the 12th Sarawak state election in 2021, he successfully defended the seat with a significant majority of 4,243 votes. He secured 6,277 votes against his opponents Raba’ah Tudin of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Stevenson Joseph Sumbang (Parti Bumi Kenyalang or PBK), and independent Tuan Kazan.
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 in the by-election.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), on the other hand, has re-nominated Joseph Sumbang to contest the seat, and Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi) has announced Bintulu businessman, Chieng Lea Phing as its candidate.
