BINTULU: The remark by opposition candidates for the Jepak by-election that there will be no check-and-balance should Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) win the seat shows political immaturity, says Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communication Unit-UKAS).
"The two candidates’ reason that there will be no check-and-balance in the state legislative assembly (DUN) as GPS is holding the majority of seats (74), is not constructive and shows their political immaturity," said Datuk Abdullah Saidoi on Saturday (Oct 21) night.
He said that GPS assemblymen are not “yes men" but dare to speak out in the DUN.
"I have seen GPS assemblymen speaking out in the DUN on projects that have either been delayed in their implementation or the government has failed to carry out," stressed Saidol.
He added that Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is also not an autocratic leader as he has been holding meetings with his ministers and assemblymen to get their opinions before making a decision.
"This is the first time that I have seen a state Cabinet that speaks out constructively. This is very healthy as each discussion will end with a resolution," he said.
On Jepak, he said there are issues that need to be solved but only by an assemblyman from the government of the day.
"They know that their chances of winning the seat is very slim, that is why they are making this narrative to attract the people's attention," he added.
Separately, Saidoi advised GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee "to learn fast to solve issues in the constituency" should he win the seat.
"I hope the new candidate after this will prove to critics why he is the right candidate for the seat," he added.
Iskandar is in a three-cornered fight for the seat with Joseph Sumbang of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Chieng Lea Ping of Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi).
Voters will go to the polls on Nov 4.
