Selangau campaign heats up
SIBU: The political atmosphere in Selangau is heating up as contesting parties shift into high gear to woo voters during campaigning ahead of polling day this May 9.
The predominantly-Iban parliamentary constituency will have Barisan Nasional ( BN)-Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) candidate, lawyer Rita Sarimah Insol, 57, facing state Parti Keadilan Rakyat ( PKR) chairman Baru Bian in a straight fight.
The anticipation over sacked PRS deputy president and incumbent Datuk Joseph Entulu contesting as an independent candidate, which had caused much excitement earlier, has died down upon him pledging his loyalty to BN.
According to Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira, the BN election machinery is moving in full gear on the ground and he observes that there are very positive vibes towards BN.
“Most areas have been covered, including remote ( places). So far, the response from local folk is very good. They want BN to continue bringing development to Selangau.
“They said only BN can deliver, not PH ( Pakatan Harapan). Furthermore, Selangau people do not welcome outsiders to Selangau.
“I believe BN will win with bigger majority compared to the 13th general election,” Gira said.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, who is also PRS president, had said recently that Rita would be the first Dayak woman to become a parliamentarian should she be elected; thereby creating history for the Dayak community, the people of Selangau and also the party.
There are 30,026 registered voters in Selangau.
In the 2013 election, Entulu stood on BN- PRS ticket and secured a handsome victory against Sarawak Workers Party’s Datuk Sng Chee Hua and PKR’s Joshua Jabeng.
Entulu garnered 12,040 votes against Sng’s 4,485, and Joshua’s 3,891.