SNAP snubs PKR over seat allocation
(NST) – Sarawak National Party (SNAP) has defied Parti Keadilan Rakyat by announcing it will field candidates in 40 state seats, 29 of which will be in the interior, where natives form the majority.
This comes after an announcement by PKR that it would contest 52 seats, leaving SNAP with three seats in the coming state election.
SNAP president Edwin Dundang said yesterday the party would prefer a straight fight against Barisan Nasional in all the seats and as such, was willing to work with DAP and Pas.
However, he said, it would not deal with PKR.
“Sadly, we have been informed that PKR, without mandate, took the role of the leading opposition party by announcing that it intended to contest in 52 seats and leave SNAP with a miserable three seats to contend with.”
He said a recent announcement by PKR that the opposition in the state had reached an agreement over seat allocation was inaccurate.
“PKR’s attempt to gloss over this major problem and riding roughshod over SNAP is unwarranted and unbecoming.
“Since PKR does not agree with our stand (to contest more seats), we are now considering all options, including getting out of the opposition front.”
Dundang said PKR also eyed areas where DAP and Pas would like to contest.
“If PKR contests 52 seats, that leaves 19 seats to be contested by SNAP, DAP and Pas.
“DAP wants to contest in 16 or 17 Chinese areas, so what is there left for SNAP and Pas?”
Party secretary-general Stanley Jugol said there had been no agreement nor any attempt to negotiate and PKR’s lackadaisical attitude towards native political issues was obvious.
“It is worth noting that after 12 years and participating in three federal elections and two state elections, PKR has managed to win only one seat.
“It is also a fact that PKR has had little impact in native-majority areas ever since it first contested in Sarawak.”
To underscore SNAP’s commitment, Dundang named 16 of its candidates in the coming election, adding that the remaining 24 would be announced later.
The 16 are Stephen Sigar (N1 Opar), Frankie Jurem Nyumboi (N2 Tasik Biru), Richard Peter Munai (N16 Bengoh), Sylvester Belayong (N19 Kedup), Abang Othman Abang Gom (N23 Lingga), Dan Giang (N25 Balai Ringin), Joe Unggang (N31 Layar), Dayrell Walter Entrie (N32 Bukit Saban), Anthony Liman Sujang (N34 Krian), Tedong Gunda @ Jamal Abdullah (N41 Pakan), Augustine Liom (N44 Machan), George Lagong (N56 Baleh), John Bampa (N57 Belaga), Johari Bujang (N62 Lambir), Edwin Dundang Bugak (N66 Marudi) and Kebin Wan (N67 Telang Usan).
