KUCHING – Agnes Padan, a former head of Sarawak PKR women’s wing, today successfully submitted her nomination papers to stand as a candidate for the Ba’kelalan seat in the state election.
The rose among the thorns known for her healthcare activism told The Vibes that all went well with her nomination process at the Lawas district office.
Her campaign slogan is “Ini Kali Wanita (this time, it’s women)”.
Padan is the first woman from the indigenous Lun Bawang ethnic group to contest this seat.
She will be embroiled in a five-cornered fight against incumbent Baru Bian who is her former PKR comrade now running under Parti Sarawak Bersatu, Sam Laya of Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Marten Labo of PKR, and Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s (PBK) Peter Asut.
Bian also reported all going well with his nomination process for the constituency labelled by the Election Commission as N81.
“We are hoping for a good and clean contest,” the constituency’s towering incumbent told The Vibes.
Meanwhile, DAP’s incumbent for Bukit Assek, Irene Chang, said she is up against candidates from Sarawak United People’s Party, PBK, and Parti Aspirasi, as well as two independents.
She said all went well at the nomination centre and the weather was sunny and conducive to a smooth nomination process throughout the morning.
She said: “I am happy that there are so many candidates as it shows that the democratic system is prevailing in our country, as every citizen has the right to participate in the electoral process and offer themselves to serve the people.
“On my part, I am ready to defend my seat and if the voters vote me in, I am ready to give five more years of my life and will fully commit myself to serve the people. I also hope the campaigning towards the December 18 election will proceed smoothly.”
Meanwhile, PBK president Voon Lee Shan said the nomination process proceeded smoothly at the Batu Kitang nomination centre despite heavy rain. “It is still raining now while we are waiting for the official announcement,” he said.
He also told The Vibes that there was one “casualty” among the candidates in Jemoreng constituency, but it is not clear who this is.
Datuk Juanda Jaya of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu is among the candidates in Jemoreng, which has been a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold over the last three terms.
In the Senadin constituency, which initially had 15 hopeful candidates, four of them failed to turn up today.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak president Bobby William who filed his nomination papers in Senadin said the final tally today is 11 confirmed candidates. “This is going to be a royal rumble, but the more, the merrier,” he said. “Kita boleh bergawai (we can celebrate),” he quipped.
Senadin has been a BN stronghold since the last five state elections. – The Vibes, December 6, 2021
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