DAP: PKR rep for Batu Kitang almost disqualified

Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen says PKR candidate Voon Shiak Ni’s proposer was found to be a bankrupt.

KUCHING: The on-going feud between DAP and PKR over seats both parties were eyeing in the Sarawak election took an interesting twist this evening.

This came after Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen – in defending the party’s decision to field a candidate – claimed that PKR’s Batu Kitang candidate Voon Shiak Ni almost had her nomination disqualified.

“PKR’s proposer was found to be a bankrupt. That’s why there was a delay in the announcement of the candidates.
“If that had happened, it would have given BN a walkover victory in the seat where past results had shown more support for DAP.”

Voon’s nomination was only formalised at 11.30am after the returning officer decided to vet the application of the candidate.

Chong took PKR to task over Voon’s nomination, wondering why the party gave the returning officer the opportunity to almost reject the nomination.

“PKR has to answer to the voters in the area as to the reason why it had fought so hard for the seat and yet created such an opportunity for BN to win uncontested.

“As it turns out, fielding our candidate there was the right decision.”

DAP made a last-minute decision to field Abdul Aziz Isa in Batu Kitang, instead of Stakan, as was originally planned, as PKR had refused to reveal five out of its 40 seats.

DAP had warned PKR it would renege on the agreement if the latter decided to ignore the pact.

Failure to reach a consensus also saw PKR and DAP contest in five other areas, namely Mulu, Mambong, Murum, Simanggang and Ngemah.

Chong then called on voters to give their votes to DAP in seats where it would go head to head with PKR.

“Don’t split the votes and allow BN an easy win. Concentrate your votes on DAP so we have a chance of winning.

“But where there is a straight fight, PKR against BN without a DAP candidate, I urge our supporters to vote for PKR.”

Sarawakians will head to the polls on May 7.