The choice of a candidate who is not affiliated with any party in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to represent the coalition in the Jepak state by-election is not a significant issue.
The Jepak Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women chief, Noriha Ali, expressed that the grassroots leaders and party supporters respect the decision made by GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to Noriha, the selection of Iskandar Turkee, a former director of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), as the candidate provides an advantage for the coalition due to his extensive experience in social activities.
“I believe he is the right candidate to uphold the legacy left by the previous representative. With his vision and mission, we hope he will bring economic and social development to Jepak,” she told Bernama.
Furthermore, Noriha mentioned that the Jepak PBB women’s movement plans to visit households and introduce the GPS candidate to voters in the constituency.
She also acknowledged the challenge posed by the increase in the number of young voters in the by-election and emphasized the coalition’s efforts to address this segment.
The Jepak by-election will witness a three-cornered fight among Iskandar, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) candidate Stevenson Joseph Sumbang, and Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) candidate Chieng Lea Phing.
The by-election, scheduled for Nov 4, was called after the passing of the GPS incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, on Sept 15.
The constituency has 22,804 registered voters, comprising of 22,761 ordinary voters and 43 policemen.
GPS is composed of PBB as the main component, along with three other Sarawakian parties, namely, Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP).- Bernama
