PKR and DAP make last minutes changes to their candidate line-ups, involving Mas Gading, Sri Aman and Miri

KUCHING, April 19, 2013: PKR and DAP have made last minutes  switches to their candidate line-ups, involving Mas Gading, Sri Aman and Miri.

DAP is now given Mas Gading, but giving up Sri Aman and Miri to the PKR.

DAP has picked Modi Bimol for Mas Gading.

Last night, PKR handed over Letter of Authorisation to Boniface Willy Tumek to contest in Mas Gading,  but this afternoon, the party central leadership withdrew the letter to allow DAP to contest seat on behalf Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

However, DAP surrendered Sri Aman to PKR.

With the surrender, DAP has withdrawn its selection of  Sri Aman branch chief Leon Jimat Donald to  allow PKR to nominate human rights activist and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) secretary general Nicholas Mujah to contest.

PKR is also given Miri to contest. It is fielding its Miri chief Dr Michael Teo.

DAP has earlier named Lim Su Kian to vie for the Miri seat.

The switches were announced by Sarawak PKR vice chairman See Chee How, who is also the Batu Lintang State Assemblyman, at a press conference at 4pm, two hours after the federal leaders from DAP and PKR made the changes.

See explained that Mujah and Dr Teo are PR candidates.

With the latest development, PKR will be contesting in Mambong (Willie Mongin), Batang Lupar (Abang Zulkifly Abang Engkeh), Sri Aman (Nicholas Mujah) , Lubok Antu (Nicholas Bawin), Betong (Cecilia Siti Una), Saratok (Ali Biju), Julau (Andy Wong Hong Yu), Kanowit (Thomas Laja), Hulu Rajang (Abun Sui Anyit), Selangau (Joshua Jabeng), Baram (Roland Engan), Miri (Dr Michael Teo), Limbang (Baru Bian), Petra Jaya (Ahmad Nazip Johari) and Santubong (Zulrusdi Mohd Hol).

DAP will contest in Bandar Kuching (Chong Chieng Jen), Julian Tan (Stampin), Mas Gading (Modi Bimol), Sarikei (Andrew Wong), Sibu (Oscar Ling), Lanang (Alice Lau), Kapit (Ramli Malaka), Bintulu (John Anthony Brian), Serian (Edward Andrew Luak), Mukah (Hai Merawin) and Lawas (Dr Bob Baru).

PAS will contest in Kota Samarahan, Batang Sadong, Igan, Tanjung Manis and Sibuti.

Meanwhile, Boniface Willy, speaking at the press conference with See, said he would consider taking legal action against PKR if the DAP candidate for Mas Gading is using PKR logo in the election.

He said he was given to understand that the DAP candidate would be using PAS logo in the election.

“I will be asking my men and supporters to video record the DAP activities, starting from nomination, whether they are using PKR logo in their campaign or using PKR logo in the contest,” he said.

“I was rather shocked and surprised when the party leadership told me to stand down and surrender the Letter of Authorisation and to give way to candidate from PAS, not candidate from DAP.

“I am greatly saddened by these turns of events and a deep regret and a big disappointment caused to the PKR members and supporters in Mas Gading.

“As a partyman, I have agreed to abide by the decision of the top leaders and I have surrendered the Letter of Authorisation and that is because I am looking at a bigger picture, and think of the long term interests of PKR in Mas Gading,” he said.

Boniface Willy called on PKR supporters and members to remain calm and on this matter, he left it to their good judgment to make the decision.

He said he and his family suffered a “a certain amount of humiliation” after he was forced to withdraw from contesting.

“I am very disappointed and very troubled as it appears that Mas Gading was sacrificed in the greater interest of Pakatan Ra