PKR and SNAP still at loggerheads
Bernama) — The Sarawak National Party (SNAP) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) are still at loggerheads over seat allocation when the Dayak-based SNAP went ahead to name another 11 of its candidates Tuesday to be fielded for the coming state election.
With the latest announcement, SNAP has finalised a total of 27 candidates, following an earlier announcement of 16 candidates, including Pelagus, Tebedu, Ngemah, Tarat, Bukit Begunan, Katibas on March 15.
However, SNAP President Edwin Dundang said SNAP was leaving two “hot seats” — Ba’Kalalan and Batang Ai — to PKR as it is understood that Sarawak PKR Chief, Baru Bian and Nicholas Bawin would be fielded in these constituencies respectively.
“SNAP intends to contest in 40 constituencies. However, our preference is for straight one-against-one contests against the ruling party.
“This is because in Dayak-majority areas, particularly, we have a better chance of winning compared to any other opposition party,” he told a press conference at the party headquarters here Tuesday.
Dundang said the coming state election would be a watershed in the political history of the state as people saw the return of a rejuvenated and re-energised SNAP as very welcoming news to enable it to be the crucial player to change the state’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, in an earlier joint press conference with several Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) leaders here, Dundang said SNAP was collaborating with the Sabah-based opposition party, particularly in certain political areas where they had common interests and stand.
Among those present were SAPP deputy presidents – Datuk Eric Majimbun, Datuk Liew Teck Chan and Amde Sidek.
Apart from subscribing to the principle of the Malaysia Agreement, including the 18 Points for Sarawak and 20 Points for Sabah, Dundang said their visit was a reflection of SAPP’s recognition of SNAP as a reborn political force in Sarawak and impact on the country’s political development.
However, he said its stand, as an opposition party did not change as it was still with the Pakatan in Sarawak.
Majimbun said SAPP would lend its support to SNAP throughout the coming state election based on common interests and agenda.
