Opposition dismisses PBB call for no-contest as undemocratic

KUCHING - Reform leader Lina Soo said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) call for a “no-contest” in the upcoming Tanjung Datu seat by-election was contrary to democratic principles.

The by-election, set for Feb 18, was called after the seat fell vacant following the death of former Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem.

PBB secretary-general Stephen Rundi Utom asked that the opposition not contest in the by-election “out of respect for our late chief minister”.

He made the request during a meeting with reporters yesterday on the sidelines of the ceremony for the swearing in of the state cabinet here yesterday.

“We Sarawakians respect Adenan, but contesting in an election is a democratic process. Even Adenan would not be opposed to us defending our rights in the spirit of democracy by participating in a fair fight.

“If PBB believes that to contest the vacant seat is a sign of disrespect, then PBB themselves should not put up a candidate,” Soo said.

Meanwhile, DAP leaders have also dismissed Stephen’s call. - FMT