TRANSLATED BY JAMES WONG
BINTULU: Iskandar Turkee, Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) candidate for the upcoming Jepak state by-election, is resolute in his commitment to secure victory and uphold the legacy of the late Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
His candidacy was announced by GPS chairman and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Hotel Margherita Plaza here yesterday (October 18).
When met by reporters after the announcement, Iskandar, who hails from Kampung Sebiew, Bintulu, said he will humbly try to realise the party’s mandates and beliefs in the form of victory in the upcoming by-election on November 4.
He sees the trust given to the GPS as party trust to continue the legacy of the late Talib.
He said that many things were implemented and drafted by the late Talib, and that he will continue to do so in carrying his legacy and vision forward.
As an initial step, he said he will go to the field to meet with all PBB Jepak branches to build relationships and develop an effective strategy to realise the wishes of the late Talib in developing the Jepak area.
“I am confident that we will be able to continue the legacy with the support of all parties. God willing, I think that wish can be achieved,” he said.
When asked how he could transition from a civil servant to the world of politics, he disclosed that he was close to the late Talib and has a family relationship.
Therefore, he saw it as his responsibility and an honour to continue Talib’s legacy for the benefit of both himself and the late assemblyman’s family.
The Election Commission has set the nomination on October 21, while voting day will fall on November 4.
The candidate nomination centre and the vote tallying centre will be held at Dewan Suarah Bintulu.
As of September 2023, the number of registered voters for the Jepak constituency totalled 22,804 people, a fourfold increase compared to the last state election, thus showing an increase in new voters aged 18 and above including those who have never voted before.
