‘PKR’s potential candidates not withdrawing’

NO DEFECTION: Baru (fourth left) and See (second left) with state PKR candidates and potential candidates yesterday.

Baru Bian: Nicholas Bawin and Joshua Jabeng have not been bought over by SWP

KUCHING: State Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chairman Baru Bian has refuted rumours the party’s potential candidates for Lubok Antu, Nicholas Bawin Anggat and Joshua Jabeng in Selangau have not been bought over by Sarawak Workers Party (SWP).

“There has been an approach from SWP attempting to persuade our potential candidates to withdraw but we assure the people that they will not withdraw or be bought,” Baru, who is PKR candidate for Limbang told a press conference here yesterday.

Present at the press conference were state PKR vice-chairman See Chee How, the party’s confirmed candidates namely Abun Sui Anyit (Hulu Rajang), Roland Engan (Baram), Ali Biju (Saratok), Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh (Batang Lupar).

Also present were PKR’s potential candidates Nicholas Mujah (Sri Aman), Thomas Laja (Kanowit), Dr Ramblan Rahman (Kota Samarahan), Andy Wong (Julau), Joshua Jabeng (Selangau), Nicholas Bawin Anggat (Lubok Antu) and Willie Mongin (Mambong).

When asked why SWP only approached the potential candidates for Lubok Antu and Selangau, Baru said: “I don’t know. Coincidently that appears to be two of the six seats where SWP is reported to contest.

“The way I look at it is perhaps our two candidates are too tough for SWP and probably that’s the reason they want to get rid of them.”

Baru also denied that PKR de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and SWP advisor Dato Sng Chee Hua had worked out a deal although both of them were said to be good friends.

“If you ask them, they will say they know each other a long time back. I think they confirm as well that they are friends. But what is more important here is whether we undermine our struggle so as far as we are concerned, there is no such thing (deal) and we

have been given assurance on that.”

Baru stressed that all his party’s potential candidates can be trusted as they had gone through a rigorous selection process before being shortlisted to ensure those selected are winnable, credible and accepted by the people.

SUMBER:theborneopost