Dayak body backs Gira's intention to vie for Selangau seat

SIBU, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Tamin state assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang’s desire to contest the Selangau parliamentary seat in the 15th general election (GE15) should be viewed positively by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leadership, according to the Dayak Think Tank Association Sarawak (DTTAS).

DTTAS founder and adviser Wellie Henry Majang said GPS needed a new narrative by fielding young, capable and charismatic candidates.

According to him, Gira is a humble and hardworking leader who can win the seat for GPS.

He said that in the 12th Sarawak state election in December last year, Gira defeated Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), who was regarded as a political heavyweight.

“Therefore, we believe GPS has a good chance of wresting back the parliamentary seat. We believe the GPS leadership led by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg would make a wise decision,” he said in a statement here today.

Gira, a supreme council member of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), was reported as saying yesterday that he was prepared to contest in Selangau if nominated.

He said it would be a heavy responsibility but he was ready to shoulder the challenge.

Baru Bian, who won the Selangau seat on a PKR ticket in the last general election, had announced that he would be moving to contest in Lawas in GE15. Baru is now a PSB member.

There was speculation that PSB might field Entulu in Selangau.

Nomination for GE15 is on Nov 5 and polling is on Nov 19. 

-- BERNAMA