SIBU: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg called on Sibu voters to give their undivided support to the GPS candidate for the Sibu parliamentary seat Clarence Ting Ing Horh on November 19 election.
Speaking at a meet-the-people session in Ulu Sg Merah here on Monday night, he said that some parties have called Ting a reluctant candidate after he refused to contest when first approached.
“Yes, he is reluctant because he is not ‘Yang Berhormat’ but ‘Yang Berkhidmat’ (one who works),” Abang Johari commented.
The Premier disclosed that he had contacted Ting before nomination to ask whether he would help GPS win back the Sibu seat in GE15.
“We (GPS) chose him (Ting) as he is a hardworking leader who has the welfare and interests of Sibu folk at heart.
“I told him that after all, he has been working very hard and he should bring the voices of Sibu folk to Parliament.
“But he turned (me) down. I again told him that if he loves Sibu folk, then he should fight for Sibu which was in bad shape (teruk). The MPs and ADUNs (from the opposition) talked a lot but didn’t do much. Clarence Ting doesn’t talk much but does a lot of work,” he said.
Abang Johari also said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ting worked very hard in making sure that people in Sibu got the help they needed especially during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
“He was not afraid of the virus. He said never mind, he wanted to help Sibu by providing food baskets and all that.
“That’s why I persuaded him and, in the end, he agreed (to contest). He agreed because he loves Sibu,” Abang Johari said.
Meanwhile, Ting in his speech said that if he is elected, he would fight for Sibu folk and bid for development funds.
According to him, during the campaign period, he has developed an even better understanding of the problems faced by the people and several unresolved issues need to be addressed.
“Our Oya Road is half done (halfway upgraded). (Traffic woes in) Wong King Huo and (SMK) Sacred Heart areas are getting worse. Hence, I will seek funding to solve it, just like I have done for the Igan area. There are so many roads that need to be upgraded.
“If I’m elected, I will go to Parliament to speak up for you (Sibu folk) and this is what my role is. I know what the challenges are,” he said.
Ting is up against incumbent Oscar Ling from Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, who is Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president, in a three-cornered fight for Sibu.
