MIRI – Whether there is a plot by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to deny Undi18 voters a chance to vote in the 12th Sarawak election is something that is left to be seen.
But it will definitely be an issue that the opposition will capitalise on to win the hearts and minds of the people.
State leaders of DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) told The Vibes today that this issue will be featured prominently in their election manifestos.
State DAP veteran Chiew Ching Sing, who is the incumbent for Tanjung Batu, said the manner in which GPS has hastily called for the state polls this year is a big smear on its image.
“People in the whole state and country already know how GPS hastily moved the state election to this year by convincing the Election Commission to set a polling date in December to deny the new voters who can vote in January.
“GPS has gained the upper hand by denying the youth their voice in this state election through unjust tactics.
“What they did, dented GPS’ image,” Chiew said, adding that this will be the main highlight of his campaign against GPS.
State PKR information chief Abun Sui said that GPS leaders now appear to be a desperate group of people willing to do anything to retain power.
“To take calculated measures to deny these young voters is not a politically accepted norm.
“It is unfair and undemocratic,” he said, adding that PKR too has included this in their campaign material.
Sui predicted that urban voters would look at GPS with disappointment over how it denies the young voices in the state polls.
PSB chairman for Pujut branch in Miri, Bruce Chai, said the issue will certainly be the main focus of the PSB election manifesto.
“It is an example of the unjust policies that we, the rakyat, have had to endure for decades under Sarawak Barisan Nasional, which is GPS now.
“The time is right for a change, and I am sure the rakyat has realised this,” said Chai who is the potential PSB candidate for Pujut.
Nomination day for the Sarawak election is on December 6, with polling set on December 18.
GPS controls 68 of the 82 state constituencies now.
DAP has five seats, PSB six, Bersatu one, Independent one and the Pujut seat is vacant after its incumbent, DAP assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon was disqualified two years ago.
Ting was booted out of the state assembly following disputes over his Australian citizenship.
DAP will defend the Pujut seat by fielding Miri DAP youth chief Peter Hii or its Sarawak DAP secretary Alan Ling. – The Vibes, November 25, 2021
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