KUCHING: Political greenhorn Julian Tan Kok Ping has been named the DAP candidate to contest against five-term MP Datuk Yong Khoon Seng in Stampin.
Tan’s name was announced among the 13 candidates in Sarawak during a press conference at the party headquarters in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
It is not immediately known if PKR, which has also expressed interest in the seat, would join the fray even though both parties are in Pakatan Rakyat.
The PKR potential candidate Voon Shiak Ni has, however, indicated through her Facebook page that she may not stand since PKR is letting go of Stampin to DAP.
Meanwhile, DAP state secretary Chong Chieng Jen looked set to defend his Bandar Kuching seat despite talks he was to be moved to another constituency.
The other 12 candidates will be contesting for the first time. State DAP chairman Wong Ho Leng is bowing out of the election due to health reasons, but his special assistant Oscar Ling will defend his Sibu seat which was won in a by-election in 2010.
DAP list of candidates in Sarawak: 1) Mas Gading – Mordi Bimol (2) Bandar Kuching – Chong Chieng Jen (3) Stampin – Julian Tan Kok Ping (4) Serian – Edward Luak (5) Sri Aman – Leon Jimat Donald (6) Sarikei – Wong Ling Biu (7) Lanang – Alice Lau Kiong Yieng (8) Sibu – Oscar Ling Chai Yew (9) Bintulu – John Brian Anthony (10) Mukah – Hai Merawin @ Bonaventure (11) Kapit – Ramli Malaka (12) Miri – Lim Su Kien (13) Lawas – Dr Bob Baru Langub.