DAP man renounces decision to contest in Miri as independent candidate
MIRI: A Democratic Action party (DAP) man has announced that he would not contest here in this May 9 parliamentary election.
In a statement yesterday, DAP Piasau treasurer Ling Siew Ping said the decision was made after the announcement by Parti Keadilan Rakyat ( PKR) that Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng would defend the Miri seat in the polls.
“It wasn’t easy, but the most important thing is for all Pakatan Harapan ( PH) component parties to act as one and achieve our common goal, which is to form new federal government,” he said.
Ling explained that his initial decision to contest in the election as an independent candidate was made following a lot of disgruntled voices against Dr Teo’s intention to re- contest.
“My decision was, in all honestly, a risky one, as I had hoped that it could change the leaders’ decision.
“However, PKR Sarawak’s decision is the decision of the top leaders in Pakatan Harapan. I have done my best and therefore, it is perhaps the best thing to be respectful and supportive,” he said.
This election, Ling admitted, would be a great challenge for PH, as not only Dr Teo would have to work hard to win back the support from the people, in view of Barisan Nasional ( BN) fielding Datuk Sebastian Ting – a friendly and hard-working politician who had been working hard to gain people’s support as well.