Ramdan Mahari
KUCHING: The chairman of the Tanjung Datu branch of Sarawak National Youth Organisation (Saberkas), Ramdan Mahari, is prepared to be the candidate for Santubong parliamentary constituency should he be given the chance in the upcoming 14th general election (GE14).
“I am ready to take on the responsibility to replace (Santubong MP) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar if I am chosen as the new candidate.
“But of course, the decision lies fully in the hands of our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he told a press conference at his office here yesterday.
Ramdan was addressing rumours that his name had cropped up of late as the candidate to replace Wan Junaidi in GE14.
Asked if he had been approached by any Barisan Nasional (BN) member concerning the candidacy, he said he had yet to be informed of the matter directly.
“But even if there are, it is only through whispers,” he quipped.
Ramdan is currently the branch chief of PBB Kampung Stunggang Melayu, Lundu — a post he has held since 2013.
The 51-year-old is a licensed land surveyor and served at the Land and Survey Department for more than 11 years before embarking on his own business in 2001.
Wan Junaidi recently stated that he was willing to give way to a new candidate if he was not chosen to defend the seat, which he has held for the past two terms.
“Whether I’m renominated or not, we will have to wait until nomination day. If my name is not listed, I don’t mind. I have been serving for a long time and whoever wants to take over my seat, he or she would have big shoes to fill.”
In the last general election, Wan Junaidi won in a four-cornered contest, defeating Zulrusdi Hol (PKR), Mura Kadir
(STAR) and Affendi Jeman (Independent) with a majority of 20,936 votes.