KUCHING – Influential former Anglican bishop of Sarawak Datuk Bolly Lapok was not among the 69 candidates announced by Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) today.
The former clergyman raised eyebrows among Anglican Christians when he joined PSB last month, although many saw him giving the party a credible boost – particularly with the Iban voter bank.
He is also seen as a winnable candidate, especially when the majority of non-Muslims in Sarawak are Christians.
Speaking at a press conference in Sibu today, PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said there are still one or two more candidates yet to be announced.
“For strategic reasons, we will announce them tomorrow during the nomination process.”
It is unclear if Lapok is among the “strategic candidates”.
Meanwhile, Wong will be defending his seat in Bawang Assan, which is expected to see a multi-cornered fight.
Dubbed as one of the hottest seats in Sibu, Wong has been the Bawang Assan incumbent since 1991.
Wong won the seat in 2016 as a Barisan Nasional direct candidate.
PSB’s other four candidates in Sibu are Wong Hie Pieng (Dudong), Dr Low Chong Nguan (Pelawan), Andrew Ting (Bukit Assek), and Intanurazean Wan Sapuan Daud (Nangka).
Gabungan Parti Sarawak coalition member Sarawak United Peoples’ Party is fielding Robert Lau in Bawang Assan, while Parti Bumi Kenyalang is pitching Michelle Ling Shyan Mih.
Sarawak heads to the polls on December 18, with nomination day set for tomorrow and early voting on December 14. – The Vibes, December 5, 2021
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