Jepak polls: Coalition partners campaigning together to ensure victory, says GPS candidate

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties are collaborating in the Jepak by-election campaign to secure a victory. Iskandar Turkee, the GPS candidate from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), was accompanied by Kennedy Chukpai, the Murum assemblyman from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), during a visit to Rumah Lebung longhouse in Bintulu on Tuesday (Oct 24).

Iskandar informed reporters during the visit that they were joined by friends from PRS to campaign collectively and ensure a significant win on Nov 4. He emphasized the camaraderie among the GPS component parties and revealed that the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) would also conduct ground campaigns. Iskandar expressed the parties’ dedication to achieve a larger victory this time.

Iskandar expressed his anticipation for interacting with the voters along the campaign trail, including those in longhouses. He stated that as a new candidate, it is essential for him to connect with the people in a humble, friendly, and natural manner, enabling voters to get to know him personally.

Meanwhile, Kennedy affirmed the excellent cooperation among the GPS component parties for the by-election. He said they would engage with the other component parties and coordinate their programs accordingly. Kennedy also mentioned that Iskandar had garnered a positive response from the people. He reported conversing with the longhouse residents who welcomed Iskandar as GPS’s best choice. Kennedy expressed hope that this would translate into a resounding victory on Nov 4.

The Jepak by-election was necessitated by the passing of the incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, on Sept 15. Iskandar is facing a three-cornered fight against Stevenson Joseph Sumbang from Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Chieng Lea Phing from Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party.