Independent candidate denies racial campaign

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Abang Ahmad Abang Sauni

BETONG: Abang Ahmad Abang Sauni, the Independent candidate contesting here, denies he is stirring racial sentiment to fish for votes.

“There is nothing racial so far. The Ibans have more areas than Malays because they have three elected representatives,” he said in reference to Bukit Saban and Layar state seats, and Betong parliamentary seat that are represented by Ibans, whereas the Malays were only represented by the Saribas assemblyman.

“That is why we are calling on the government to create the Saribas parliamentary seat so that the Malay areas will also have fair distribution of development projects like our Iban friends,” he said.

He added that many Ibans were telling him it would be stupid for the Malays not to contest in the Betong seat.

Abang Ahmad also alleged that when he visited the Malay villages here, the people were complaining that they were not getting help as much as their Iban counterparts.

“I told them not to blame the Ibans. They must take into account that the Ibans have three representatives in the area. That is why they get more development.”

Abang Ahmad went on to say that he would be fair if he won, and treat all voters equally regardless of their political affiliation.

“I will entertain all races, whether they are with or against me, very much like our own children. We will not feed our naughty children rocks while giving eggs to the obedient ones.”