SERIAN: Serian incumbent Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem is raring to contest in the 15th general election.
“Defending Serian is my key goal but I cannot be overconfident of winning this seat. Let the people decide which candidate they want.
“My hope is what the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) hopes for. To win all the 31 seats including Serian.
“There are so many things (to be done). I want to make sure that the development is done well,” he said.
He told reporters this after submitting his nomination paper at the Serian Sarawak Administrative Centre yesterday (Nov 5).
The 71-year-old politician added that the support of the three assemblymen — Dr Simon Sinang Bada, John Ilus and Martin Ben — gave him the motivation to continue holding the parliamentary seat.
Asked about the reforms that would be introduced, he said the internet network connection was his primary concern as he had previously raised the issue in parliament for a few times.
He also emphasised on existing projects such as the construction of SMK Serian No 2, SK Sri Sadong and the new Tebedu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex to be completed soon.
The relocation of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, he said, was the reason why he suggested the upgrade of the Tebedu ICQS and called for a totally new complex.
“The Tebedu ICQS is the only international entry point between Malaysia and Indonesia by land.
“Regarding security at the border, we should not depend on the enforcement agencies alone. The people nearby need to play an important role,” he said.
Richard Riot first became Serian MP as independent candidate.
Now, he is the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy president and has held the Serian seat for seven terms.
He defeated Senior William Rade (independent) and Edward Andrew Luwak (Democratic Action Party) in the last general election (GE14), which he won with a majority of 9,905 votes.
He was contesting on a Barisan Nasional ticket.
