Edwin Banta can bring more devt to Selangau if elected as MP — Sikie

TATAU: Selangau would have a strong representation in the government if Edwin Banta of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) was elected member of Parliament, said Datuk John Sikie Tayai.

The Minister in the Premier’s Department said Selangau constituents must vote for a representative who could help bring more development to their respective areas.

“We need Edwin Banta to win this general election so that together with me and YB Christopher Gira (Tamin assemblyman), we can develop our area in Selangau,” said Sikie, who is Kakus assemblyman.

Tamin and Kakus are the two state constituencies that make up Selangau parliamentary constituency.

Sikie, who was speaking at a rally for GPS candidate at Dewan Masyarakat Punan, Lubok Kubong, Kakus, Tatau on Saturday, said with a strong representation in the state and federal governments, the local people would be able to enjoy various developments.

He said the residents of Lubok Kubong had benefitted from the development projects implemented by the GPS-led government, such as the ongoing electricity supply project under Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) and Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (Sawas) project, which is 80 per cent completed.

“The road from Nanga Kelebu to Lubok Kubong has been upgraded under the allocation of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“All these infrastructural initiatives are initiated by the GPS Sarawak government,” he added.

“We must think wisely. Don’t make the wrong choice and make GE14 a lesson. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) won in GE14 and in GE15, a PKR candidate is also contesting here again.

“Therefore, do not vote for PKR. After winning in 2018, we were abandoned and did not get any minor rural projects or development projects from him,” said Sikie, who is vicepresident of Parti Rakyat Sarawak.

He was referring to Selangau incumbent Baru Bian, who won in 2018 on a PKR ticket. Baru, now with Parti Sarawak Bersatu, is contesting the Lawas seat this GE15.

During the event, Tiun Kanun – an independent candidate who stood in Kakus in the last state election – also expressed his support for GPS in GE15.

“It is important that we have GPS representatives so that together, we have a voice in Parliament in formulating policies and demanding Sarawak’s rights,” he said.

Edwin is locking horns with PKR’s Umpang Sabang and independent candidate Henry Joseph.