Swapping of seats for overall interest of BN — PBS

KOTA BELUD: The swapping of the Kadamaian and Bingkor state seats between PBS and UPKO in this 14th general election had to be made for the overall interest of Barisan Nasional (BN).

While he understood the feelings of of PBS members and supporters of Kadamaian, PBS Secretary General Datuk Johnny Mositun said that it was a difficult decision for the leaders of PBS and UPKO to make.

“In the end, a decision had to be made in the overall interest of BN as we prepare for a tough general election. It should be noted, however, that the quota of seats for each BN party to contest remains the same as it was for the general election in 2013,” he said, adding that the seat swap is necessary now based on the situation in this 14th general election.

“I am making this clarification so there will be no confusion or misunderstanding among party members and also our other BN partners in Kadamaian and Bingkor. The top leaders of both parties made the decision after detailed discussions, and it is final,” he told PBS Kadamaian leaders and members here at the residence of PBS Kadamaian Division Chief, Denis Runanti, at Kampung Malangkap in Kadamaian.

The seat swap sees Ewon Benedick of UPKO representing BN in Kadamaian while Peter Alliun of PBS will contest the Bingkor state seat for BN. Both are newcomers.

Advising the party members to abide by the decision and give their full support for the BN candidate, Mositun said PBS members should prove they were a strong asset to BN by ensuring victory for the BN candidate in Kadamaian.

“That will prove your strength and effectiveness. It will prove that PBS is a force to be reckoned with in Kadamaian, and when time comes for a redistribution of seats in GE15 with the addition of 13 new constituencies to contest, the strength you show now will pay off with the return of Kadamaian to PBS. Think of it this way, BN’s victory in Kadamaian will actually be your victory whoever the BN candidate is,” he said.

Mositun added all the certain assurances and safeguards demanded by PBS members in Kadamaian in return for accepting the decision and continuing to fully support the BN candidate would be placed before the party’s Supreme Council for action.

“That is only right and proper. I am also giving notice to the BN candidate from UPKO that PBS members must not be neglected or overlooked for posts and opportunities in Kadamaian if he becomes the elected representative for Kadamaian. He must reciprocate appropriately for PBS support,” Mositun said.

Meanwhile Ewon said he appreciated the decision of the PBS Kadamaian Division to accept his candidacy and continue supporting the BN.

“I am grateful to know that PBS Kadamaian will give me its backing as the BN candidate even though I am from UPKO. I will serve all fairly and adopt an open, even handed approach. I will not discriminate against anyone as an elected representative. That I assure you,” he said.