SIBU: Members of Parliament bear huge responsibilities and work and, as such, some people are reluctant to join the fray as candidates in the 15th general election (GE15).
This was the stand taken by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) new face in Sibu parliamentary seat, Clarence Ting Ing Horh before he committed to become a candidate.
“This is why we should be reluctant before we commit to becoming the candidate,” he said.
Ting said this in response to his opponent Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh’s recent statement claiming that he is a reluctant candidate and questioned how the people will put their trust in him to be their MP.
He pointed out that he was reluctant to be the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman previously yet he does his best when he was appointed to the position.
Hence, he assured that it would be the same for when he is elected as the MP for Sibu.
“When I came in, I took up the role (as SMC chairman) and I go all out to do it because it is not about me. We know the amount of work when you are elected as an MP. It is much more challenging than being SMC chairman.
“You need to think about it (whether to take it or not) you don’t come out and ask ‘Hey, vote for me’ and then you don’t do anything I know how much work has to be put in, that’s why we have to think very hard before we even commit,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after attending the Randau Skim Pinjaman Rumah Panjang HDC 2022 programme today alongside Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee and Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Ting also pointed out that the GPS leadership also encouraged him on his path to becoming the candidate for Sibu.
“So, I think I can do something for Sibu, this is not just a personal thing. I am not going up just so that people can call me YB (Yang Berhormat)…… I am here to serve the people. Reluctant or not,” he stressed.
On his election campaign, Ting said that he tries to meet as many peoples as he can.
“So far, I have campaigned in urban areas and tonight (Wednesday) in Sungai Bidut. We are trying harder, that’s why we go out early and come back late.
“I am a new candidate and voters need to get to know me, that’s why I focus on all places and it’s quite challenging. It doesn’t matter where they are, we go to them,” he emphasised.
Ting is facing a three-cornered fight with Wong and Sibu incumbent Oscar Ling from Democratic Action’s Party (DAP).
