Ex-UPP man goes in as an Independent in Serian
SERIAN: Former United People's Party (UPP) Serian branch chief Senior William Rade sprang a surprise during the nomination of candidates for this parliamentary constituency yesterday by choosing to contest as Independent.
For the candidacy, he is using the fish logo.
Senior's participation meant that Serian would see a threecornered fight between himself, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem and Edward Andrew Luak of Democratic Action Party (DAP).
It also marked a rematch between Riot and Edward, who faced off each other in the 2013 polls.
Edward was the first to submit his nomination papers at 9am, accompanied by his proposer Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Serian chief Cyril Langin and seconder DAP Serian member Thian Juk Chong.
Riot was next, where his nomination was proposed by Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben and seconded by Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus.
Senior was the last to submit his nomination papers – he was proposed by former Pemanca, Sian Janggoi and seconded by Robert Dile.
The situation at Serian Resident's and District Office, where the nomination took place, went on smoothly despite both BN and DAP bringing quite a large number of supporters.
Serian District Officer Lim Hock Meng, who was the Returning Officer (RO), made the official announcement of the candidates for Serian at 11.25am, after confirming that there were no objections to the candidacy.
Back on Senior, he said he would leave it to UPP leadership to decide his fate in the party.
“I am waiting, including for them to sack me. The decision to contest is my own,” said the 58year-old from Kampung Taee.
This is Senior's first attempt at contesting in any election.
According to UPP secretarygeneral George Lo, Senior actually left UPP in April last year.