PKR Nicholas upbeat on party’s chances in Lubok Antu

KUCHING: PKR candidate hopeful for Lubok Antu Nicholas Bawin is upbeat on the party's chance in the constituency.

"I think PKR has a fair chance in Lubok Antu. We have been visiting many longhouses and we are well received. We are never chased out by any longhouses.

" Personal touch is very important," he said when met by reporters at the state Election Commission Office yesterday.

On the possible multi- cornered fight in the constituency, Nicholas who is a lawyer by profession pointed out that people now go by sentiment and rationale.

"Other parties are welcome to participate as this is a democratic country. The people will base their decision on sentiments and rationale.

"Our native rights have been weakened as shown in the recent video exposed by Global Witness.

" The ruling government has failed to do what is necessary when it comes to native customary rights lands, equal business opportunities and justice.

" Pakatan Rakyat hopes to restore what rightfully belong to the people. NCR lands must be recognised and legalised, if necessary. And we are not only talking about land belonging to the Dayaks but also land owned by the Malays, Melanau, Chinese and others," he said.

Nicholas also opined that the ruling government must be careful with their words.

" Promises can be made easily but it should not be made for the sake of political leverage.

" The people don't want to see just only certain groups of people getting benefits but they want to see positive change for every citizen," he said.

Among the issues that he will address in Lubok Antu includes land issues and civil service recruitment.