PBS names Linda Tsen for Sandakan, banks on ex-MP's experience for upset
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will be fielding Linda Tsen to contest in the Sandakan by-election, announced its president Maximus Ongkili this afternoon.
Tsen, 64, is the former Batu Sapi MP. She had won the seat in a by-election in 2010 after her husband and the then incumbent lawmaker Edmund Chong was killed in an accident...
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will be fielding Linda Tsen to contest in the Sandakan by-election, announced its president Maximus Ongkili this afternoon.
Tsen, 64, is the former Batu Sapi MP. She had won the seat in a by-election in 2010 after her husband and the then incumbent lawmaker Edmund Chong was killed in an accident.
In the last general election, Tsen lost to Warisan permanent chairperson Liew Vui Keong in a four-cornered battle.
PBS is hoping to capitalise on Tsen's experience since the Batu Sapi constituency is adjacent to Sandakan.
“We have screened a lot of potential candidates, young and old. I personally interviewed several professionals, lawyers and accountants, but in the end, we zeroed in on Linda Tsen, taking into account the response of the grassroots from the two state constituencies, Elopura dan Tanjong Papat, but also overall Sandakan.
“She is not only experienced, but also served Batu Sapi well previously. She is a very likeable person and, of course, close to the grassroots,” Ongkili told a press conference at PBS' Elopura service centre.
The Kota Marudu MP also thanked Umno, MCA, SAPP, Star and other local parties for allowing PBS to contest one-on-one against DAP.
Earlier, Bung Moktar Radin said Umno would back the PBS candidate.
The Sabah Umno chairperson, who is also the MP for Kinabatangan, said he had communicated with Ongkili regarding this.
PBS is a member of the opposition coalition Gabungan Bersatu Sabah, which comprises former BN parties.
MP role 'not for a rookie'
DAP is fielding Vivian Wong, 30, who is the daughter of the late incumbent Stephen Wong.
Without naming Vivian, Ongkili said a parliamentarian's job was not suitable for a greenhorn.
“It's important (for an MP) to voice out in Parliament loud and clear. Such a job is not for a rookie or untested representative," he added, pointing to the "turbulent waters" and "rowdy environment" in the august house.
“I think the voice of Sandakan will be drowned by the novice. And we, therefore, offer the choice through PBS [...] Linda Tsen.”
He also mentioned the Harapan government's broken promises, low commodity prices, and the high cost of living and doing business, as reasons to reject the ruling coalition.
Nomination day for the Sandakan by-election will take place tomorrow, while polling day will be held on May 11.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.