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MIRI – Local opposition outfit Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is entering its final campaign lap by pressing on fiery issues, accusing the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government of failing to protect ordinary people from various afflictions.
Its vice-president Datuk Lawrence Lai, who is contesting the Miri parliamentary seat, and Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) secretary-general Priscilla Lau – who is running in Lanang under a PSB ticket – today called on Sarawakian voters to shake up the ruling elite and vote in a strong opposition in the form of PSB.
They cited problems faced by the people, including ballooning costs of living, wastage of public funds, corruption and failure to stand up to parties from peninsula Malaysia.
PSB and PBK have formed an electoral pact for the general election (GE15), with the latter contesting under the former’s logo in six Sarawak parliamentary seats.
Lai, who is a former mayor of Miri, has emerged as the dark horse in Miri, which has been a PKR stronghold for the last 10 years.
He poses a strong challenge to PKR candidate Chiew Choon Man and GPS candidate Jeffrey Phang of Sarawak United People’s Party.
The senior lawyer said Sarawakian voters must give PSB the chance to be the vital check-and-balance against the likes of GPS, Barisan Nasional (BN), and Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“It looks very likely that GPS-Umno-PAS will form the next federal government, or even GPS-BN mixed with PH.
“These parties have failed to solve the problems of ordinary Sarawakians – who are increasingly affected by rising costs of living, lack of basic amenities, expensive houses, high transportation costs, low income levels,” he said.
“Stopping corruption in Sarawak, tackling the high cost of living, narrowing the gap between rich and poor, restoring the rights of Sarawak in Malaysia, a referendum on Sarawak independence – these are among the key GE15 priorities of PSB if we can win seats and make our presence felt in Parliament,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Lanang today, Lau said that corrupt practices are now widespread nationally.
She also stressed on the many problems afflicting ordinary Sarawakians and called on voters to give PSB the chance to be their voice.
PSB will make a positive difference in the Dewan Rakyat if its candidates are elected as MP, she said.
PSB is contesting 10 parliamentary seats in the vast state.
Its contenders include president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, who is contesting the Sibu seat and senior vice-president Baru Bian who is contesting Lawas. – The Vibes, November 17, 2022
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