PSB's Johnichal Rayong (right) and president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh speaking to reporters at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star
KUCHING: Parti Sarawak Bersatu's (PSB) Lubok Antu candidate Johnichal Rayong wants the Election Commission (EC) to recount the result, as he was defeated by only 100 votes in last Saturday's (Nov 19) general election.
Johnichal, who is also Engkilili assemblyman, said he was not satisfied as the initial count showed that he was leading, but it was then announced that he had lost.
"When the result was announced, I asked for a recount on the spot but was rejected. No reason was given.
"So, I appeal to the EC to reconsider and take action accordingly to determine the validity of the result," he told a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly here on Wednesday (Nov 23).
The Lubok Antu parliamentary seat was won by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) newcomer Roy Angau Gingkoi, who polled 6,644 votes in a four-cornered fight.
Johnichal garnered 6,544 votes while incumbent Jugah Muyang from Perikatan Nasional polled 5,360 votes. Pakatan Harapan's Langga Lias garnered only 746 votes to lose his deposit.
Johnichal said he would file an election petition soon against the results, adding that some voters in Lubok Antu had lodged a police report on the matter.
PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said a recount should have been allowed, as a difference of 100 votes was too close to call.
"We want to see democracy being fully practised," he said.
