Kelvin Yii for Stampin, says Chong

KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen says his political secretary Dr Kelvin Yii will be the new Democratic Action Party (DAP) candidate for Stampin.

As for himself, he also confirmed that he would defend Bandar Kuching the seat he has held since 2004.

“There have been speculations over who will contest in Stampin and Bandar Kuching. Just to dispel all doubts, at the moment, Dr Kelvin (Yii) is the identified person for Stampin. This (announcement) is official for the time being.

“In politics, anything is possible,” Chong, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak chairman and DAP Sarawak chief, told reporters at a luncheon hosted by DAP in a restaurant here yesterday.

According to Chong, Stampin is now a ‘grey area’ for the opposition following the inclusion of the Batu Lintang state constituency to Bandar Kuching, which already comprises the state constituencies of Padungan and Pending.

Stampin now consists of Kota Sentosa, Batu Kawah and Batu Kitang state constituencies.

“Stampin is now a grey area mainly because of the gerrymandering on the part of EC (Election Commission). The whole Batu Lintang, which has about 20,000 voters, is taken out of Stampin and put in Bandar Kuching, giving Barisan Nasional (BN) a fighting chance in Stampin.

“Some Dayak and Malay ‘kampungs’ (villages) have also been moved into the Stampin area. As for Bandar Kuching, the chances of the opposition winning (Bandar Kuching) have been increased (with the addition of Batu Lintang),” he said.

Chong also said a new candidate is needed for Stampin because the incumbent Julian Tan had indicated his intention of not seeking re-election.

Dr Yii, 32, is a medical doctor by training but is now pursuing a Master’s Degree in Medical Law, having completed his Bachelor in Law. The former SMK St Joseph Kuching student had spent nine years at a medical school in Russia and used to serve at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

Asked on DAP’s chances of retaining all its five parliamentary seats in Sarawak, Chong said this question could be answered by how determined the people are in wanting a change in the country – whether they still want to endorse corruption and kleptocracy.

He also shot down SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian’s recent statement about Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) ability to win all its seven parliamentary seats, stating that ‘there is a difference between optimism and ignorance’.

“In politics, as long as you contest in any area, you have a chance of winning. Just that the chance is either high or low,” he added.