PH secures one-third of 30 parliamentary seats, triumphs in predominantly-Bumiputera areas
KUCHING: Pakatan Harapan ( PH) Sarawak recorded history by winning one- third of the 30 seats it contested in the justconcluded parliamentary polls, tasting its first success in some predominant ly- Bumiputera areas.
It managed to increase its number of seats to 10 from the six secured in the 2013 polls.
The predominantlyBumiputera constituencies refer to Mas Gading, Puncak Borneo, Saratok and Selangau.
Democratic Action Party ( DAP) retained Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Sarikei, Lanang and Sibu and captured Mas Gading from Barisan Nasional ( BN).
Parti Keadilan Rakyat ( PKR) defended Miri, while seized Puncak Borneo, Saratok and Selangau from BN.
PH Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who retained Stampin for DAP, told reporters during a press conference at DAP headquarters here last night, that their victory as a ‘ Sarawakian tsunami’.
He was reluctant to term it as a ‘ Dayak tsunami’, in that he said the victory was not based on racial lines.
He pointed out that a Chinese won a Dayak- majority seat, indicating the determination of Sarawakians to ‘go for change’.
Independent candidate Larry Sng defeated BN- Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) heavyweight Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum in Julau – another predominantly- Dayak constituency.
“This is a Sarawakian tsunami, it is an earth- shaking result,” quipped Chong, who is also DAP Sarawak chairman.
He thanked fellow Sarawakians for putting their trust in PH Sarawak, saying: “PH is no longer an effective opposition, but an effective and clean government”.
Chong said such ‘ new history in the country’ ( by PH) would not be possible without the support of Sarawakians and Malaysians.
“The victory has brought about a new dawn for Malaysia and together with it, a new hope for Malaysia.”
On winning the 10 seats, Chong said he had mentioned ‘right from the beginning’ that they ( PH Sarawak) would capture the 10 seats.
“As PH Sarawak chairman, I’m happy with the result. We have contributed and delivered our part towards the creation of a new government nationwide.”
“It is only reasonaable that wise people do reject the government and Sarawakians have proven that we are wise people.”
On the victory in Mas Gading, Chong said Mordi Bimol had been working ‘tremendously hard’ since the 2008 parliamentary election.
“He ( Mordi) has been working in the area for 10 years and finally, it bears fruit. I’m happy for him but (for now) he is being held back by his supporters, who are having a celebration with him,” he said, pointing out that several hundreds of volunteers had helped Mordi capture Mas Gading and it was only reasonable that they wanted to celebrate the night with the new MP.
“He has worked hard to earn the seat and as his ‘sifu’ (mentor), I’m happy,” said Chong.
Incoming Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, former Stampin MP Julian Tan, Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong were also present at the press conference.