SARAWAK’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) might have a good chance to win in Miri and Sibu come the 15th general election (GE15) on Nov 19.
The coalition is confident in winning both constituencies now helmed by Opposition incumbents, PKR’s two-term MP, Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng and Sibu by DAP MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew. In Miri, SUPP feels it has a chance for a good win after last year’s state elections when the party won Piasau, Pujut and Senadin.
GPS’ Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has also submitted three potential candidates. They are Jeffery Phang, Aeries Leong and Leslie Lau, however a report by the New Sarawak Tribune mentioned SUPP Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting may be the final choice of GPS if it wants to maintain its hold.
Meanwhile, in Sibu the list of candidates have yet to be finalised. However, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee was reported as saying by Suara Sarawak that GPS will end the Opposition’s hold in Sibu and Lanang.
Rumour has it that Annuar will be fielded as a possible candidate in Sibu, considered a Chinese-majority constituency.
“If GPS chairman (Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg) nominates me to contest in Sibu, I will go for it. It does not matter which GPS component stands in Sibu. What is most important is that we win it back again this time,” he was quoted by The Vibes.
Previously, Sibu was a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold, and is now considered a “lost seat” after DAP won the seat in three consecutive polls.
He also said that GE15 would be the best time for GPS to end the Pakatan Harapan era in Sibu based on the 12th Sarawak State Elections.
“During the 12th state elections, GPS won the Nangka, Pelawan, Bukit Assek and Dudong seats except the Bawang Assan seat,” he said.
“Based on Maths, GPS can do it. This decision has elevated the spirits of all the party components to end the Opposition era in Sibu,” he added.
In a call to the electorate, Sarawak deputy premier Datuk Amar Douglas Unggah Embas has reminded Sarawakians to not take Pakatan Harapan’s baseless accusations and incitement to GPS candidates seriously as GE15 nears.
“Therefore, ignore them..it will only cause us to split, which will ultimately interfere with our harmony and relations amongst the different races,” he was quoted as saying by Suara Sarawak.
He also expressed his confidence that the GPS candidates will win big in the national polls looking at the voter trends which are shifting to GPS. – Nov 1, 2022
Main photo credit: Bernama
