MIRI – Gamblers are already starting to place bets on election results for hot seats such as Dudong and other seats within the Sibu district, claims Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Tiong, who is contesting the Dudong seat under a Gabungan Parti Sarawak ticket, said gamblers are trying to influence the outcome of the December 18 polls by using monetary gains as bait.
“The gamblers are already starting their illicit activities of taking bets for the outcome in Dudong and other seats in Sibu.
“I want to urge the public and voters not to be lured. Do not waste your money on these gamblers. We are facing difficult times with the Covid-19 situation remaining uncertain.
“Please save your money for better use for yourself and your family.
“Don’t use your money for election betting, that is very wrong,” he said during a press conference today at the Dudong PDP branch office.
Tiong urged the relevant authorities to be on alert and put a stop to the betting before it gets worse.
The Bintulu MP is facing seven other contestants for the Dudong seat in Sarawak, which has the most number of candidates for the state election.
Tiong is facing DAP candidate Paul Ling, Engga Unchat from Parti Bangsa Malaysia, Josephine Lau from Aspirasi, Wong Hie Ping from Parti Sarawak Bersatu, Jane Lau from Parti Bumi Kenyalang, Julius Enchana from Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru, and independent candidate Fadhil Mohamad Isa.
The hot seat first came into the spotlight after GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg had announced Tiong as the coalition’s candidate, prompting GPS component party Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP) to express its unhappiness over the call.
In a subsequent press conference, SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said SUPP leaders are shocked, angry, and disappointed with Johari’s sudden move to choose Tiong as the candidate, instead of giving Dudong to SUPP.
“Dudong has traditionally belonged to SUPP, and we are shocked, angry and disappointed that the seat was taken away from us suddenly.
“It is like hitting us below the belt. However, for the sake of unity in GPS, SUPP accepts the decision and will move on.
“We will support the GPS candidate in Dudong,” Dr Sim had said.
In a jibe, PSB president and opposition leader Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh described Sim and SUPP as a “toothless puppy” that can only whine when bullied by “GPS’ big brothers”. – The Vibes, December 8, 2021
