State DAP hopes for straight fights between PH and BN in GE14
MIRI: Democratic Action Party ( DAP) hopes to see straight contests between Pakatan Harapan ( PH) and Barisan Nasional ( BN) in Sarawak in the 14th general election (GE14) which will be held anytime soon.
Its secretary Alan Ling believed that PH had reached consensus to only field one opposition candidate to contest against the BN in all parliamentary seats in the state in GE14.
“Sarawak PH had met in Kuching for preliminary discussion on seat allocations amongst themselves to lay claim and justifications over intended seats.
“From DAP Sarawak, we have three men for the seat negotiations in PH, that is state chairman Chong Chieng Jen, deputy chairman Chiew Chin Sing and myself. I was absent from that first meeting due to outstation commitment but was told that the meeting was cordial and very productive,” he stated when contacted by The Borneo Post recently on the latest negotiation regarding seats allocation issue within Sarawak PH.
Ling who is former Piasau assemblyman emphasised that it was of paramount importance that PH stay united to face the general election which he hoped would bring a change to the federal government.
“The ‘ ubah’ wave is still blowing strong in West Malaysia, though rural Sabah and Sarawak is considered relatively safe for the ruling BN, but we never know, the under current always exist and is unpredictable.”
He was optimistic that the GE14 would see straight fights between PH and BN in the state.
“No more fighting amongst PH is allowed to happen, it is detrimental and the voters do not like it.”
When asked about Miri parliament seat, he would not deny that the party grassroots have been publicly claiming for the seat to be returned to DAP.
The seat was won by PKR’s Dr Michael Teo during the last general election in 2013.
“Actually from my point of view, the bottom line is to retain the seat, whoever picked must be winnable.”
“Whoever the PH candidate in Miri is, he or she is assured of DAP Miri’s help in the election campaign, we will go all out as the mission to save the country and interest of PH is above any single individual or party.”
Ling has been widely speculated to stand in Miri due to his popularity and strong ground works.
On this speculation, he refused to comment further but said that he would continue to work hard saying ‘ politics is a long haul journey’.