Darell to defend Penampang seat in GE14

KOTA KINABALU: Incumbent Penampang MP Darell Leiking said he will be defending his seat in the 14th general election (GE14).

“Of course, why would I not?” he said when asked if he would defend the seat.

“Only sick people make rumours, especially those who think we are like some politicians who left Penampang for another parliamentary seat. Some of us are not built to save ourselves but to save Sabah as a whole.

“Come what may and even if there has been close to 20% increase, more or less, of Penampang voters since 2013 to today, we shall face them no matter what the outcome,” said Leiking.

Earlier, the Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) deputy president said the party had been in preparation mode for a while now despite the fact that no dates had been announced yet for GE14 by Prime Minister Datuk Najib Razak.

“Probably some of us are in a lethargic mood for now due to Najib having the sole privilege of calling for an early dissolution at any time,” said Leiking.

“If he is such a ‘transformer' he should just plan out the date of the election now since there is less than six months for an automatic dissolution of parliament.

“So just set a date for all, and most of all play fair especially on the postal votes.”

Leiking said Barisan Nasional has absolute access to the Election Commission (SPR) and its working methodology, a definite and unfair advantage besides having all government machineries and facilities at hand.

“With the many dynamics today, we have to prepare for everything and Kapayan is under our parliamentary seat as well,” he said.

“Hence, we need to be ready at that part of Penampang as well, as we are definitely contesting for parliament Penampang come what may,” added Leiking.

Leiking ousted former chief minister and Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok in the 13th general election under a Parti Keadilan Rakyat ticket.

He garnered 22,598 votes or 61.8% of the total of 44,323 votes, winning by a majority of 10,216.