KUCHING: Sarawak-based opposition parties have made a last-minute decision not to participate in the 15th general election (GE15).
Instead, the Sarawak Aspiration People’s Party (Aspirasi) will focus on the upcoming Sarawak elections due in five years.
“As previously announced, we went through a lot of pain and a period of soul-searching to decide whether or not Aspirasi would send a candidate, but we finally decided to move away from GE15. I did,” said party leader Lina Su (Photo) said in a statement on Saturday (5 November).
Aspirasi had previously announced that he would take on Mas Gading, Puncak Borneo, Serian, Bandar Kuching and Stampin at GE15.
She said one of the reasons for the decision was the party’s lack of support for dissolving GE15 during the monsoon season.
Additionally, she said there was already a crowded field in the ballot and Apirash didn’t want to divide the votes any further.
“I’m not going to participate in the general election just to spoil it,” she said.
Su also said Aspirasi believes efforts to pursue Sarawak’s rights must begin in the state legislature before negotiations with the federal government.
“Going to Congress before the legislative and constitutional proceedings are required is like putting the cart before the horse.
As such, she said Aspirasi is opening a candidature to Sarawaks to nominate themselves as the party’s candidate for the upcoming state elections.
She said this would allow the party to increase its talent pool and create a platform for Sarawakans to dabble in politics.
“Selected potential candidates will be invited to participate in a self-development course to hone their public speaking skills, enhance their knowledge of the economy, government and politics, and raise awareness of Sarawak’s issues and challenges. ‘ said Sue.
