GE14 | The Stampin parliamentary constituency is set to become Sarawak’s “local derby” with state DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen announcing his candidacy for the hot seat.

Chong’s move from his Bandar Kuching stronghold will most likely see him clashing head on with SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is widely speculated to contest in Stampin in the 14th general election on May 9.

Chong’s special assistant Dr Kelvin Yii, who was earlier slated to be the Stampin candidate, will take his fight to Bandar Kuching, where he is likely to face-off with SUPP Women’s wing chief Kho Teck Wan.

Chong, who is also state Harapan chairperson, made this announcement at a ceramah in the Batu Kawah old town area last night.

The other three candidates who were announced are Modi Bimol, who will be contesting in Mas Gading, Edward Andrew Luak in the Serian parliamentary constituency and Tony Chiew in Bintulu.

The announcements were made in the presence of party national adviser and stalwart Lim Kit Siang, state PKR chairperson Baru Bian and state Parti Amanah Negara chairperson Fidzuan Zaidi.

With this announcement, the Sarawak DAP will be contesting in nine parliamentary seats in the general election.

Previously, the party had announced its candidates for four parliamentary constituencies in the central zone - incumbent Alice Lau for the Lanang parliamentary constituency, Oscar Ling for Sibu parliamentary constituency, incumbent Wong Ling Biu for Sarikei parliamentary constituency and Paren Nyawi for Kapit parliamentary constituency.

When contacted, Yii told Malaysiakini that moving over to contest in Bandar Kuching means he has very big shoes to fill, as Chong has done a great job in the constituency since 2004.

“I thank the party for giving me the opportunity and the privilege to be a candidate in Bandar Kuching and am ready to serve the people there if they give me the mandate on polling day.

“I pledge to give my best fight and win the hearts of the people, come polling day, and to serve them well,” he added.

Yii also pointed out that people tend to think that Bandar Kuching is a “safe seat”, but he would not sit on his laurels, for “no vote bank is to be taken for granted”.