Constituents want new rep to have traits similar to Taib’s

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MUKAH: The people here want their new representative to always have their interest at heart and understand their needs – the traits that their former state assemblyman Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has.

Nonetheless, they are prepared to accept anyone fielded as PBB-BN candidate for the Balingian by-election.

One of them, Madzhar Ahmad Sunik, 63, said they would not have any problem accepting any candidate from PBB-BN.

“We also want a local-born and somebody who is experienced besides having academic qualifications.

“What is important is he must really understand our need to overcome our predicament,” he said.

For PBB Kuala Balingian secretary Razali Sahari, 52, he said they want a leader who will not disappoint the people.

He assured that the people will give their full support to whoever BN picked as candidate in Balingian.

“Supporting BN is the right thing to do for our future and our children,” he said.

Former deputy president of PBB Mukah Youth Karnain Ali, 46, said whoever was selected as BN candidate for Balingian by-election must have credibility and appreciate the people’s struggle.

“We do not want a representative who only needs the people when necessary and is rarely seen in his ‘kawasan’ (constituency) when needed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Balingian state constituency, which has 11,792 voters based on the 2011 electoral roll, fell vacant after Taib relinquished the chief minister’s post on Feb 28.

Taib has been the assemblyman for Balingian since 2001.

Among those rumoured to be picked as BN candidate since the seat fell vacant are Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya and Akit Sebli.

Akit in his late 50s is from Kampung Petanak, Mukah and is PBB Balingian vice chairman.