Dr Michael Teo
MIRI (Nov 1): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has dropped Miri incumbent Dr Michael Teo from its list of candidates contesting in the 15th General Election (GE15).
Dr Teo, who held the parliamentary seat for two consecutive terms, was replaced by Angkatan Muda Keadilan Sarawak (AMK) secretary Chiew Choon Man.
In a press conference here today, PKR also nominated Sarawak chairman Roland Engan for the Baram seat while PKR Sarawak Information and Communication chief Abun Sui Anyit will stand in Hulu Rejang.
This would be the third time both Roland and Abun are contesting these seats since GE13.
PKR’s remaining candidates are Sopian Julaihi (Petra Jaya), Diog Dios (Puncak Borneo), Tay Wei Wei (Sri Aman), Langga Lias (Lubok Antu), Patrick Kamis (Betong), Ibil Jaya (Saratok), Mohd Fauzi Abdullah Joseph (Kanowit), Abdul Jalil Bujang (Mukah), Umpang Sabang (Selangau), Khusyairy Pangkas Abdullah (Kapit), Zolhaidah Suboh (Sibuti), Racha Balang (Limbang) and Japar Suyut (Lawas).
PKR has decided not to defend the Julau seat, which Larry Sng won in the 2018 general election as an independent candidate before joining the party shortly after his victory.
The party’s president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his speech before the announcement of the candidates said the selection of the candidates was not an easy task to make, especially having to drop a few names who have contributed a lot to the party.
“What was taken into consideration? Of course, qualification. Then experience. But if we look at those with experience only, those who are young and the womenfolk will not stand a chance,” he said.
He also called on all the candidates to work hard this GE to ensure that Pakatan Harapan (PH) can retake Putrajaya.
At the same function, Anwar also called on Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to lift the ban the state imposes on a few PKR leaders including deputy president Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar.
“I would like to ask the premier to give a bit of relaxation in this GE. If we need to give a letter, we will give a letter with names of those who are banned from entering the state.
“Because the race is for federal level, I do not wish to have any issue with the state government,” he said.