KUCHING, March 28 – Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president, Tan Sri William Mawan(Pic) said he is ready to contest in the Saratok parliamentary seat in 13th general election if he is selected by the Barisan Nasional (BN) top leadership.
Mawan, who is the state assemblymen for Pakan, said he was no stranger to the area and was willing to defend Saratok if that decision would help BN retain the parliamentary seat, which comprises of two state constituencies, including Krian currently being held by the opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
“If I am asked to (contest) and if that will help BN to win, then why not? At the moment I am working around the clock within the four parliamentary constituencies entrusted to SPDP,” Mawan, who is also state Social Development Minister, told reporters after presenting grants totaling RM5 million to 45 sports associations and six youth organisations at the Kuching Civic Centre here today.
Deputy Transport Minister Jelaing Mersat is the incumbent Member of Parliament for Saratok. Alluding to speculation on the choice of suitable candidates as a possible replacement for Jelaing, Mawan said “That does not necessary imply that I want to be the candidate but, all the same, if that is the top leadership’s decision as the only way to make us (BN) win, then let us forget about personal opinions and feelings (to ensure a BN victory).”
Meanwhile, commenting on speculation that the incumbent Member of Parliament for Baram, Datuk Jacob Sagan, might be replaced at the last minute, he said whatever decision the SPDP took on candidate nomination was still subjected to the final decision of the BN top leadership.
“Of course as far as SPDP is concerned, we (party’s supreme council) have already made the decision a long time ago. But as a loyal BN component member, we cannot and should not conclude the nomination candidates our selves.
“Anything is subject to review by the top leadership for the sake of winning, for the sake of BN and even for the sake of party survival.If we are part and parcel of BN we need to subscribe to the consensus or any interest of any BN as the whole,” he said.
In the 13th general election, SPDP is expected to defend its four seats of Baram, Saratok, Mas Gading and Bintulu.
BERNAMA
