PKR stays out of Jepak, PBK's candidate prevents walkover

PKR will not be participating in the upcoming Jepak by-election.

Sarawak PKR's leadership made the decision last month and received endorsement from the party's national leadership last night.

"This decision was made by Sarawak PKR to ensure unity and political stability in the country.

"We also wish to respect the mandate given to Gabungan Parti Sarawak in Jepak during the 2021 state elections," said Sarawak PKR in a statement.

The late Talib Zulpilip, from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), won the seat by a landslide in 2021, winning 69.4 percent of the popular vote.

Pakatan Harapan did not participate in the Jepak polls in 2021. Two opposition parties which did join - Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu - have since sided with GPS.

So far, only PBK has committed to fielding a candidate for Jepak.

PBK fields ex-cop again

PBK will be fielding former police personnel Stevenson Joseph Sumbang, 42, again. During the 2021 election, he failed to retain his deposit in Jepak.

Stevenson told the press on Oct 5 at the party headquarters in Kuching that he was born in Sibu, the southern tip of which forms part of the Jepak constituency and was familiar with the issues affecting the constituency.

He also said his campaign issues will be focused on education, citizenship and native land rights.

Other parties that have expressed interest in joining the Sarawak polls are Parti Sedar Rakyat and Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak.

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