BETONG: The brief presence of PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Saribas may have set the rural heartland abuzz, but incumbent Muhammad Razi Sitam of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is unperturbed.

       The two-term Saribas assemblyman acknowledged Anwar’s role as the Federal Opposition Leader, but said he had enough solid support to win for a third time.

       “PKR has its own strengths and I will not underestimate the party which has Saribas in its sights. I welcome the competition.

       “Based on the current momentum on the ground so far, I believe GPS remains the party of choice in Saribas.

       “The support level can be seen not just during the campaign period, but over the past few years,” said Muhammad Razi when met along the campaign trail in Kampung Tanjung Assam, a village in the constituency.

       On Saturday, Anwar visited several constituencies in Sarawak to support some of the 27 PKR candidates contesting in the 12th state election, among them Patrick Kamis, the party’s candidate in Saribas.

       Patrick, a retired school headmaster and former music composer, is well known in the Saribas area although it is his first electoral foray.

       Anwar spoke briefly at a longhouse in Debak where he rallied support for Patrick, before paying a short visit to Kampung Debak Laut where he greeted supporters in the village.

       Muhammad Razi said GPS had the strong support of rural folk because of its track record.

       “GPS, as a local-based coalition and with a history of developing the state, will remain the choice of Sarawakians.

       “The party has long-term and comprehensive plans to develop the whole of Sarawak, especially its rural areas. Those who did not support us in past elections, or were over the fence, will be aware by now that GPS is the only party that can lead in Sarawak,” said Muhammad Razi.

       The 48-year-old Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) member called on Saribas constituents to come out in full force on polling day.

       “I would like to also remind voters to always adhere to the Covid-19 standard operating procedure,” said Muhammad Razi.

       Saribas is a constituency in the Betong parliamentary seat and has 10,978 eligible voters. Betong is an over four-hour drive from Kuching and is predominantly Iban.

       Besides Muhamad Razi and Patrick, the other contestants in Saribas are Meilanie Bolhassan of Parti Sarawak Bersatu, Sim Min Leong of Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Kurnaen Boben of Parti Sedar Sarawak.