BINTULU: Gabungan Parti Sarawak's (GPS) resounding victory in the Jepak by-election is an endorsement of the state government’s development plans for Bintulu, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
"This is a sign that the people of Jepak accept our plans for Bintulu, especially the Jepak Jaya development.
"With this strong endorsement from the people, we will continue our efforts to implement structured development in Bintulu to become a model industrial town and attract more investment," the Sarawak Premier said.
Abang Johari was speaking to reporters after GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee was announced as the winner at the Civic Centre here on Saturday (Nov 4) night.
Iskandar polled 9,638 votes to defeat Stevenson Joseph Sumbang (Parti Bumi Kenyalang) and Chieng Lea Phing (Sarawak People's Aspiration Party) with a majority of 8,784 votes.
In the 2021 state election, the late incumbent Datuk Talib Zulpilip from GPS won the seat with a 4,243-vote majority.
Abang Johari said the higher majority was a lesson for all the contesting parties.
"This is a clear message that democracy is not merely about the sake of contesting. We have to look at reality.
"And GPS will continue to develop Sarawak into a progressive and prosperous state by 2030," he said.
On the low turnout of 48%, Abang Johari said this could be because many voters working or studying elsewhere did not return to vote.
"In a by-election, we expect turnout to be lower than in a state or general election.
"What's important is that GPS won in all the polling districts and voting streams, which shows that the people are firmly behind us," he said.
Iskandar thanked voters in Jepak for their strong support.
"I've passed the exam. Now I will do my best to serve everyone in Jepak," he said.
