Rebels can keep seats, says SPDP chief

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:26
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By Joseph Tawie

KUCHING: Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president William Mawan has dismissed speculation that he would punish rebel state assemblymen by not nominating them for the coming state election.

He said the party would nominate all eight incumbents from its fold, including four who have questioned his leadership.

However, he added, their nomination ultimately depended on the Barisan Nasional leadership.

“There is no such thing as an incumbent’s right to defend his or her seat, even for me as party president,” he said.

He was responding to rumours that Tasik Biru’s Peter Nansian, Marudi’s Sylvester Enteri, Batu Danu’s Paulus Gumbang and Bekenu’s Rosey Yunus would be dropped. Nansian and Enteri are assistant state ministers.

The four, together with Mas Gading MP Tiki Lafe, earlier this year walked out of a SPDP supreme council meeting to demonstrate their opposition to Mawan’s leadership.

The five—now known as SPDP 5—have not made any effort since then to reconcile with the party leadership. They are often seen in the company of personalities from other BN component parties, especially Parti Rakyat Sarawak.

Rumours have spread in the four state constituencies that they may be replaced in the coming election.

There are also rumours that Mawan may also replace Wong Judat in the Meluan constituency with Larry Sng, the independent state assemblyman for Pelagus.

Mawan said BN would field only winnable candidates.

“If, even at the last minute, the Barisan Nasional leaders feel they need to replace an incumbent, then the individual should stand aside,” he said.