Facilitating democracy: Election Commission workers arranging ballot boxes at the SK Bintulu polling station in preparation for the Jepak by-election. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
BINTULU: For Jepak voters who head to the polls today, the by-election will be a fresh opportunity to choose a representative who will uphold their interest and that of the state.
Lawyer Ahmad Dzulfadzli Hamdan, 39, said it is important to pick the right candidate.
“I hope the new representative will focus on youth development and organise more programmes for the young such as sports.
I also hope the person will propose a local university to be built in Bintulu,” he added.
Ahmad said the state by-election is a great opportunity for Jepak voters to show support for the state government’s efforts to restore Sarawak’s rights which had eroded over the years.
ALSO READ : Jepak polls: Over 22,000 voters to elect new assemblyman today
“We are currently pursuing our rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including taking back Bintulu Port from the Federal Government.
“A big win for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will show that there is strong support from the people of Jepak for the current state administration,” he said.
The Jepak by-election, called following the death of GPS assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip on Sept 15, is a three-cornered fight between Iskandar Turkee (GPS), Stevenson Joseph Sumbang (Parti Bumi Kenyalang) and Chieng Lea Phing (Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party).
There are 22,804 voters in the constituency.
Self-employed Kamri Rani said the by-election is also about choosing a candidate who will fight for the people’s needs.
“I hope the new assemblyman will be able to voice our problems and address them.
“We also want the state government to remain strong so that development programmes can continue,” he said.
Ehailing driver Azahari Din, who lives at the Bandaria Park people’s housing programme (PPR), said the new representative should emulate the efforts of the late Talib.
“Talib frequently visited us. He was instrumental in the building of six blocks of PPR housing here.
“We hope the new assemblyman will help with our request for affordable home ownership,” he said.
Community educator Dayang Saleha Awang Morshidi said various government leaders had visited Jepak during the campaign, showing their commitment to the people.
“It is important to come out and vote in the by-election. As voters, it is our responsibility to choose our leaders,” she said.
Her colleague Hartini Ahmad, 53, said she has never missed voting in elections since turning 21.
“Whether it is a general election or by-election, all elections are important,” she said.
