BINTULU – Formed less than a decade ago, Aspirasi and Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) have both earned voters’ respect for braving the fight against giant Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the upcoming Jepak state election.
Voters, who are still undecided, said they hope Aspirasi and PBK will be able to rise to the occasion and give GPS a good fight.
Entrepreneur Muyang Beladin, who operates an agriculture farm in the outskirts of Bintulu, said he salutes Aspirasi and PBK for having the “guts” to take on GPS and not giving the ruling state government an uncontested win in Jepak.
“Aspirasi and PBK deserve respect from us political neutrals for putting up a candidate each against GPS.
“There were earlier talks that GPS will win uncontested, because Pakatan Harapan (PH) had weeks ago said it will not contest in the Jepak by-election since PH and GPS are partners in the unity government.
“Luckily, Aspirasi and PBK stepped up where PH failed to make its presence felt.
“The other opposition party, PSB (Parti Sarawak Bersatu), also did not field a candidate.
“So essentially, Aspirasi and PBK have kept democracy alive in Jepak and offered voters a choice.
“Though the chances of Aspirasi and PBK candidates winning against GPS is very slim, we salute them for at least trying,” Muyang said.
‘Big blow’ if if GPS gets easy win
Taxi driver Hii Lai Ting also praised Aspirasi and PBK for putting up a challenge against GPS.
“An uncontested win for GPS would be a big blow for the democratic process and these smaller parties deserve a pat on the back for upholding the democratic process,” he said.
Hii said he and his friends were looking to attend exciting ceramah over the next two weeks.
Jepak will see a three cornered fight, with GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee taking on Aspirasi’s Chieng Lea Phing and PBK’s Stevenson Sumbang.
Jepak, located within the Bintulu parliamentary seat, has 22,804 registered voters.
Voters comprise mostly Malays and Melanau (54%), while Ibans make up 35%, Chinese 6% and the rest Orang Ulu, Bidayuh and other minority ethnic voters.
Early voting is on October 31 while polling will be on November 4. – The Vibes, October 21, 2023
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