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MIRI – A Sarawak DAP grassroots leader has called on the state PKR chapter to reconsider its decision not to contest the Jepak state by-election in northern Sarawak.
DAP’s Jepak branch wants its Pakatan Harapan (PH) partner to put a strong candidate in the constituency to contest under the PH logo.
Branch chairman Tony Ung today said that since Jepak is traditionally a PKR seat, PKR must put up a good contest against the ruling state government coalition of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“There must be a candidate from Pakatan Harapan for this coming Jepak by-election.
“Since Jepak traditionally belonged to PKR, PKR must field a candidate.
“For the good of democracy, there must be a credible contest.
“We cannot let GPS win easily,” he said in a press statement.
Ung said PH must fulfil its duties as opposition in Sarawak.
“The role of an opposition is to offer check and balance against the ruling government.
“The opposition is also a voice for the ordinary rakyat, so we in Sarawak Pakatan must give the Jepak voters good candidate choices to fight for their needs,” he said.
Sarawak PKR deputy chairman Abun Sui had earlier this week said PKR had decided not to contest the seat.
This is because PKR and GPS are partners in the unity government in Putrajaya, he had said.
Parti Aspirasi Sarawak had yesterday said it will field a credible candidate in Jepak to take on GPS.
President Lina Soo said it is important to see a good contest so that the voters will have better choices on polling day come November 4.
The Jepak seat fell vacant on September 15 after the demise of incumbent GPS man Datuk Talib Zulpilip. – The Vibes, September 29, 2023