PBB Saratok, Kabong stake claim on Saratok Parliamentary constituency
SARATOK: A group representing Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) Saratok and Kabong came into the open yesterday to claim the Saratok parliamentary constituency.
Bringing along hundreds of supporters, the group held a banner bearing words indicating their stake.
The seat is traditionally allocated by Barisan Nasional ( BN) to then Sarawak National Party ( SNAP) but in 2002 it was taken over by Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party ( SPDP) when SNAP was de-registered by the Registrar of Societies.
Saratok consists of three state seats namely Krian ( held by opposition PKR), Kalaka ( BNPBB) and Kabong ( BN-PBB).
According to the group’s press statement, the majority of voters in Kabong in particular, and Saratok in general, wanted the seat to be allocated to PBB in future elections.
In the statement, handed over by a member of PBB Kabong Cr Kancil Andong to the press, they also expressed fear that Saratok might be won by PKR if it were allocated to Progressive Democratic Party ( PDP).
They said their fear is real since the BN via SPDP lost Krian seat in the last two state polls.
They claimed PBB would be a better choice to defend Saratok for the BN since Kalaka and Kabong are PBB stronghold.
The group saw a window of opportunity in claiming Saratok when its incumbent MP Tan Sri William Mawan, being a PBB member, has apparently brought the seat along with him to the party. Mawan kept his PBB membership status close to his chest since 2016 until he declared it early this month.
Teras Krian branch, through its chairman Banyi Beriak, meanwhile gave an assurance of their members’ continued support towards Mawan regardless which BN component party he is attached to.
When contacted, Kancil said several community leaders including penghulus and village chiefs were present during a group photo session in Kabong.