THE BN CANDIDATE: Nogeh (second right) showing a BN brochure containing his bio data. Also in the photo are (from left) SPDP vice president Rayan Narong, Siten, Harry and John
BAU: Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Peter Nansian, who was absent during nomination on Saturday, has drawn the ire of his BN colleagues for his continued silence over whether he is supporting BN candidate Anthony Nogeh Gumbek or independent candidate Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe in Mas Gading.
Nansian, an assistant minister with two portfolios, dodged reporters covering a function in Kuching yesterday by saying, “I have no comments, I have no comments”.
At a press conference held here earlier yesterday, several local BN leaders in Mas Gading called on Nansian and his followers to come out and support Nogeh in the May 5 general election.
PBB Tasik Biru chairman John Nyigor said since Nansian and his team had professed to be a BN-friendly group they should rally behind Nogeh and not Dr Tiki.
“The campaign period is the time to make friends. If they say they are BN-friendly then they have to really show they are friendly to BN. Come along with us, campaign with us, and together promote BN. Don’t be a ‘talam dua muka’ (two-faced). If you are with us, better go with us all the way,” he said.
John, who acted as seconder for Nogeh during nomination in Bau last Saturday, said he hoped those who were unhappy that Dr Tiki was not given the nod to defend the seat as a BN direct candidate would get over the disappointment and support the BN to ensure victory in Mas Gading.
SPDP Tasik Biru information chief Henry Harry Jinep also questioned the sincerity of the BN-friendly group after they failed to honour their promise of obeying the decision of the BN top leadership on candidacy for Mas Gading.
“Are you really gentlemen or just ‘omong kosong’ (giving lip service)? To the BN-friendly personalities, declare your support – either you are with BN or not. If you are supporting a candidate who is going against BN, you are deemed as an opposition to us.”
He also appealed to those community leaders who have been influenced by Nansian, Dr Tiki and their group to return to the BN fold for the sake of Bidayuh unity.
“Look at the symbol, not the person,” he said, adding that there were many community leaders in Tasik Biru who still side with Dr Tiki.
Asked if the local BN leaders made attempts to contact Nansian, he replied that Nansian, being the assemblyman and an assistant minister, should be the one to take the initiative to come forward and support the BN.
“He is an assistant minister and yet going against the BN leadership by declaring his support for Dr Tiki during a gathering at a government facility. Now what is that?
“I leave it to you to digest. Do you think it is the right thing to do … to go against the boss’ decision?” he said, referring to a gathering on April 18 in Bau where Dr Tiki announced his intention to contest as an independent.
Nogeh said there were reasons for the BN camp in Mas Gading to believe that Nansian was secretly supporting Dr Tiki based on evidence, including photographs captured during the April 18 gathering.
Furthermore, Nansian and Dr Tiki were in the informal Group of Five – a group of five partyless elected representatives, he added.
SPDP Tasik Biru chairman Michael Siten, who was also present, said based on Dr Tiki’s record during his three terms as Mas Gading MP, he would not be able to do much for Mas Gading even if he won.
Majen Minos, representing SPDP grassroots supporters, appealed to Dr Tiki’s supporters to return to the BN fold.-theborneopost
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