Getting ahead: GPS members preparing party flags for the campaign period for the upcoming Jepak by-election in Sarawak. — Bernama
BINTULU: The selection of a candidate who is not a member of any party in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to represent the coalition in the Jepak state by-election is not a big issue.
Jepak Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women chief Noriha Ali said the grassroots leaders and party supporters respect the decision made by GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the selection of Iskandar Turkee, 54, who is a former director of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), gave the coalition an advantage because of his extensive experience in social activities.
“I think he is the right candidate for us to continue the legacy left by the former assemblyman,” Noriha told Bernama.
“We hope that with his (Iskandar) vision and mission, he will bring development to Jepak, economically and socially,” she added.
Meanwhile, Noriha said the Jepak PBB women’s movement will go from house to house to introduce the GPS candidate to voters in the constituency.
She said the increase in the number of voters, especially among young people in the by-election, was also a challenge.
The Jepak by-election involves a three-cornered fight between Iskandar, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) candidate Stevenson Joseph Sumbang and Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) candidate Chieng Lea Phing.
The by-election on Nov 4 was called following the death of the GPS assemblyman, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, on Sept 15.
The constituency has 22,804 registered voters, consisting of 22,761 ordinary voters and 43 policemen.
PBB forms the main component of GPS, which also includes three other Sarawakian parties, namely Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP). — Bernama
