Rumours rife of new face for PRS in Ngemah
SIBU: Rumours have been rife of late that Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) will field a new face in Ngemah in the coming state election.
This is despite previous statements prior to the passing of party president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing that the names of all incumbents had been submi ed to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Incumbent Alexander Vincent has served the constituency for two terms.
One name being bandied about is Anyi Jana, 57, who is a deputy education officer in Kapit. A familiar face in Ngemah, Anyi was born and raised in the constituency and had previously campaigned for Alexander.
When contacted, Anyi confirmed his potential candidacy.
“It is now up to the top leadership to make the decision,” he said.
On his motivation to venture into politics, Anyi said he hopes to improve basic infrastructure in Ngemah and the people’s socioeconomic status.
“As an educator, I will also put priority on education as the way for the people to move forward,” he added.
Anyi began his career in education in 1988 as a teacher at SK Nanga Kain, Kapit.
He holds a master’s degree from Open University Malaysia and is married with three children.
In the 2016 state election, Alexander polled 2,888 votes to win by a very slim 154-vote majority.
Independent Dr Joseph Jawa Kendawang received 2,734 votes, while Thomas Laja Besi from Parti Keadilan Rakyat obtained 396 votes and Richard Lias from the Democratic Action Party polled 243 votes.
For the upcoming Sarawak election, the eventual GPS candidate is expected to face at least four others.
Joseph will contest again but as a candidate for Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), while businessman Charlie Genam will be Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s (PBK) choice.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has also confirmed plans to field Satu Anchom in the constituency, while Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) has said Leo Bunsu will contest for the party.