Muda Sarawak information chief Norashikin Baidawi has spoken out against Pakatan Harapan’s decision not to run against Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the Jepak by-election.
In doing so, she has sparked speculation that the party may spring a last-gasp surprise at tomorrow’s nomination.
“The community’s voice should be heard and they shouldn’t be denied a choice in the upcoming Jepak by-election.
“The decision not to run is unfair to the voters of Jepak because they will not have the choice and opportunity to vote for a people’s representative who will carry their voice,” she said in a statement.
She also said that avoiding the contest was against the spirit of democracy and that Muda, while a new party, was currently engaging with the community and grassroots voters.
Harapan announced it would not be contesting in the by-election fixed for Nov 4.
“Healthy politics requires a checks-and-balances system and this cannot be realised if only one party contests or wins without contesting,” said Norashikin.
GPS has picked Iskandar Turkee to run in the seat which fell vacant after the death of six-term former assemblyperson Talib Zulpilip on Sept 15.
Aside from Iskandar, Stevenson Joseph Sumbang of Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Chieng Lea Ping of the People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) are being tipped as candidates.
In the 12th state election in 2021, Talib won the Jepak state seat with a comfortable majority of 4,243 votes.
Voters in Jepak will cast their votes on Nov 4 with early voting on Oct 31. - Mkini
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