MIRI – A Sarawak PKR branch leader will contest in the Kemena constituency in northern Sarawak as an independent.
James Stephen, state PKR public communications committee chairman and Kemena branch chairman, filed his nomination this morning.
He later issued a press statement saying he decided to contest as an independent as the seat was given to DAP and not PKR, despite PKR and him having worked hard in the constituency.
“PKR in Kemena has served the rakyat well during the past few years but we did not get the seat as it was given to DAP.
“I will take on the role of independent to win the seat against the incumbent GPS candidate Datuk Stephen Rundi Utom (from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu).
“GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) has failed the rakyat, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic these past two years.
“The rakyat have suffered a lot and they want to see changes in the state. I hope to offer them a choice here in Kemena,” said Stephen.
State PKR information chief Abun Sui said he had just heard about the news.
“I will need to find out more details,” he said when contacted.
State PKR vice-chairman Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng said: “It is a personal decision that he made on short notice. Let’s see what develops next.”
Nominations closed this morning and Sarawak goes to the polls on December 18. – The Vibes, December 6, 2021
