SPDP chief calls for calm, rational thinking over choice of candidates, stresses PM has final say
Tan Sri William Mawan
KUCHING: SPDP president Tan Sri William Mawan yesterday urged party members to remain calm and rational with regards to candidacy issues.
He reiterated that the final say on the candidates for Mas Gading, Saratok, Bintulu and Baram rested with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Mawan, who is also Minister of Social Development, however described the calls by some party members for certain candidates to be fi elded in the four seats as “valid concern of members”.
He revealed that party members were embroiled in debates over choice of candidates in Saratok, Baram and Mas Gading, no thanks to the antics of certain groups in sowing confusion for their personal gains.
Mawan, who is also national BN vice-chairman, said the BN top leadership ought to be given time to resolve pertinent issues to ensure that no outside elements could weaken the BN coalition.
“There should not be any egoistic approach in our campaigning or lobbying. Instead, support every decision for the sake of BN.
Interest of BN and party should be above self and individual group’s interest.
“While we allow group interests to manifest itself into action, we, however, must also allow the overall interest of the BN to prevail.”
Mawan stressed it was also very important for all BN component parties to abide by the existing mutual trust and respect within the coalition, especially now since the 13th general election is just around the corner.
“As long as I am the president of SPDP, I will ensure that my party members adhere to this principle of mutual trust and respect which is also the very fabric of BN coalition’s existence. No question of loyalty to the prime minister and chief minister shall arise.”
Mawan said SPDP also wanted to contribute as much as any other party within BN to strengthen the coalition and give a resounding mandate to Najib in the impending polls.
“I appeal to all members of BN component parties to work together to st reng then and reconsolidate the BN and to work harder on areas of concern. To all SPDP members, I appeal to them to be calm for the cause of the BN.
Do not lose focus but rationalise your every decision.”
On March 2, 2013, SPDP Telang Usan Youth chief Romulus Agan, purportedly speaking on behalf of BN components in Baram after a meeting, said BN’s chances of retaining Baram might be derailed due to the uncertainty of its candidate.
He opined that Baram MP Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan should be renominated as he is a winnable candidate.
On March 10, 2013, SPDP Krian secretary Noel Tom cautioned that should Saratok MP Jelaing Mersat be dropped to make way for another candidate, his (Jelaing’s) supporters might shy away from the polls or even vote for the opposition.
Four days later, at a press conference in Sibu, 11 SPDP Central Divisions, namely Ngemah, Machan, Bukit Assek, Dudong, Bawang Assan, Pelawan, Nangka, Tamin, Baleh, Meluan and Pelagus urged Mawan to be certain about the candidates in all four seats.
They also called on Najib to state his preferred choice for Mas Gading.
At another press conference in Kuching, SPDP Opar and SPDP Tasik Biru also requested Najib to be decisive on the candidate for Mas Gading.
They said SPDP’s pick Anthony Nogeh Gumbek had gained momentum and enjoying the support of PBB and SUPP members in Opar and Tasik Biru.
Nogeh, they insisted, is the most winnable BN candidate over Mas Gading MP Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, who was sacked from SPDP more than a year ago for gross insubordination.