THANK YOU to Sarawak PKR and its chairman Baru Bian

January 27, 2017

KUCHING: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has been credited for its commitment in not contesting in the upcoming Tanjong Datu by-election.

Assistant Minister for Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said by not contesting in the by-election, PKR had shown maturity in their political struggle and also showed that it did not oppose just for the sake of opposing.

“I would like to thank the state PKR and Baru Bian (Ba Kelalan assemblyman and state PKR chairman) for their gracious commitment in not contesting

in Tanjong Datu by-election as a mark of respect for (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri) Adenan (Satem) and for his effort to bring back our diminished rights. Such effort will go a long way in uniting Sarawakians,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Baru, in announcing the party’s decision not to contest in Tanjong Datu by-election on Wednesday, said it was a gesture to let Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state government continue implementing the vision and policies that Adenan made for Sarawak while he was the chief minister.

Apart from giving Abang Johari the opportunity to implement Adenan’s policies, Baru said the state PKR leadership council was of the view that they should focus on the 14th general election (GE14).

Besides PKR, PAS Sarawak chief Jofri Jaraiee, who expected the GE14 to be held soon, also said his party preferred to focus on the parliamentary election.
 

“We will most likely not contest there (Tanjong Datu) as a sign of respect for Datuk Patinggi Adenan,” Jofri was quoted as saying, adding that Adenan always had the people’s interest at heart.

Meanwhile, socio-political analyst Datuk Peter Minos said the people believed that PKR and PAS would keep their words, and as such they were honourable and responsible people, besides truly respecting the hugely popular and much-loved Adenan.

“My view is that PKR and PAS will not spoil their name and integrity by not keeping their words and pledges. As for DAP and local opposition parties, we have not heard from them but most likely they will go along with the thinking of PKR and PAS.

We really hope so.”

State DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the party leaders would meet and discuss the issue of whether the party would field a candidate in Tanjong Datu.

As for the independents, Minos said anyone could make their guess but most likely they would also go for the honourable, gentlemen’s way.

“Malaysians have a good and fine culture of truly respecting their leaders whom they genuinely love and respect. The late Adenan was not just loved, but also much honoured.

“It is not in our Sarawak culture to dishonour his name and legacy by contesting against the candidate from his party in replacement after his demise. That explains why PAS and PKR have reached their decision not to contest.”

Minos added that PKR and PAS also knew the sympathy factor. The voters in Tanjong Datu, without a second thought, would vote for anyone replacing Adenan in the by-election.

“When you play against this sympathy factor, you can expect a backlash of the grieving voters and thereby risk losing much respect and dignity from the people. If you ask me, if one truly respects and loves Adenan, do not play a ‘double game’ by going against him and the one who replaces him. That, to me, is very important. That is Sarawak’s culture that we must cherish.”

The Election Commission (EC) announced Feb 18 as the by-election date for Tanjong Datu. Nomination day will be on Feb 4, while early voting is on Feb 12. -The Borneo Post