Campaigning gathers steam
With four more days to polling on May 11, the campaigning in the Sandakan by-election is becoming increasingly intense, with both Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) going all out to woo voters.
Political top guns from both the ruling Pakatan Harapan and opposition PBS have stepped up efforts to support their respective candidates.
DAP secretary-general cum Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has been flying to Sandakan regularly to a end talks around town.
The party’s advisor, Lim Kit Siang also joined some talks, including one at the home of a villager in Kampung Sim-Sim last week.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was here on Sunday and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also gave several talks here yesterday.
On the other hand, PBS, which is flying its own flag for the first time since 1999, has been receiving support from other opposition parties, despite it being an independent Sabah party now.
Umno Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar, despite being charged with corruption gave a talk at Kampung Sim-Sim on Monday. Former Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia also stayed in Sandakan for a few days to conduct talks in Pulau Berhala and Chi Hwa primary school hall.
Meanwhile, when asked to comment on claim that “one vote for PBS is one vote for PAS and Umno”, PBS president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili said he welcomed the help of other Opposition parties who are like-minded and have a common interest.
“We are not connected to PAS, we also quit BN (Barisan Nasional) some ten months ago. However, we have said from the beginning that we appeal to all Opposition parties to join us and give their votes to our ‘calon’ (candidate),” he said.
PBS is fielding former Batu Sapi MP Parliament Datuk Linda Tsen Thau Lin, who is seen to be the main challenger against DAP’s Vivian Wong Shir Yee, daughter of former Sandakan MP Datuk Stephen Wong Tien Fatt, who passed away in March.