Datuk Peter Minos
BAU: A resident of Kampung Stenggang near here yesterday gave his own take on politics in Mas Gading.
In response to the recent statement by a political observer Datuk Peter Minos on the political situation there, Jeron Loben suggested that Minos himself contest there as a direct Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate
in the coming parliamentary polls.
He said he supported the call by Minos that the so-called power sharing 1996 Agreement stipulating that in the event the assemblyman of Tasik Biru was from Singai, the MP for Mas Gading should be from the Jagoi-Bratak community, should be honoured.
The agreement was in fact signed by Minos and Datuk Peter Nansian in 1996.
Nansian, a member of the Singai group is Tasik Biru assemblyman whereas Mas Gading MP is Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe from the Jagoi-Bratak group.
In a signed press statement yesterday, Jeron said he was not only supporting the agreement but also wanted Minos to be the replacement for Dr Tiki to defend Mas Gading as a direct BN candidate instead of somebody from Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP).
The seat has been represented by Dr Tiki for three terms, whose membership in SPDP has been terminated. And in keeping with BN’s status quo, the seat is expected to be defended by a candidate from SPDP.
“Knowing full well the reson’ detre (rationale) behind the 1996 Agreement, I feel the most appropriate BN direct candidate to replace Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe is Datuk Peter Minos himself. That is to acknowledge his deep sincerity and steadfast loyalty and undivided support he has always been giving to BN under the wise and knowledgeable Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, the Chief Minister,” Jeron added.
For the record, he said Minos contested under the BN-PBB banner in 1983 and lost in Tasik Biru to Dr Patau Rubis of Sarawak National Party (SNAP).
“Many others of lesser calibre than him have faded into oblivion,” Jeron claimed.
“The time is therefore opportune for him (Minos) to represent the people in Parliament.
“To do so he must contest as a direct BN candidate in Mas Gading.
“He will become a strong voice of BN loyalists and he too can bring about more development to the people, a feat that the incumbent MP (Dr Tiki) who unfortunately due to the crisis in SPDP, has not been able to be effective in delivering, especially the many BN promises to the people,” he said.
“I call on BN leaders, especially SPDP president Tan Sri William Mawan, to properly consider my prayer in the context of BN solidarity,” he pleaded in the press statement.
During a Jagoi-Bratak dinner graced by Mawan, also a Senior Minister, here on Jan 14, Minos strongly called upon BN
leaders to adhere to the 1996 Agreement.
Present at the VVIP table were said to be possible candidates to replace Dr Tiki.
They were Dayak Bidayuh National Association president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik who is also permanent secretary to the Tourism Ministry, Zecon general manager Rayan Narong, Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) deputy general manager Anthony Nogeh and local prominent entrepreneur Henry Harry Jinep.
Only Henry is from the Singai community.
SPDP is said to be in the midst of assessing them among others and has yet to decide on who is most likely to be recommended to BN to replace Dr Tiki, come nomination day.
Dr Tiki is now an independent MP who is friendly to the BN.