KUCHING: Some election newbies have big shoes to fill, contesting in seats where they have family ties with the previous elected representatives.

       Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is fielding Azizul Annuar Adenan in Tanjong Datu, a seat that was previously held by both his parents, the late former chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and Puan Sri Jamilah Anu.

       Another GPS candidate, Nicholas Kudi Jantai Masing, who is contesting in Baleh, is the nephew of late deputy chief minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing, who was also the Parti Rakyat Sarawak president.

       The DAP candidate for Tanjong Batu, Tony Chiew, is the son of the constituency’s former elected representative Chiew Chin Sing.

       Azizul, 30, said despite his background, he believed he could make it on his own.

       “I am no stranger to the constituency, having accompanied my parents when they went on their rounds.

       “As a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu youth exco member, I know politics,” he said when met while campaigning with Jamilah in Rambungan, some 90km from here.

       He said he hoped that with parties fielding younger candidates, more youth would enter politics.

       “I don’t agree when people say youth should stay out of politics. I believe it is important for us to get involved so that the government can get the right input for policies,” he added.

       Azizul said one thing he had learnt from his father was the importance of people-centric policies.

       “It made me realise that what we plan for the people can change their lives. So, if we want to change lives, we should have good policies,” he said.

       Meanwhile, Jamilah said after 40 years in the political limelight, she was happy to call it a day and have more time for herself and grandchildren.

       “For years, I was the wife of a politician. Then, I became an assemblywoman myself. Now I will use my free time for charity work,” she said.

       Adenan, who had been Tanjong Dato assemblyman since 2006, died in 2017 and Jamilah took over following a by-election victory.

       Kudi, 36, said the opportunity to contest in the seat where Masing had served for eight terms was an honour and also “nerve-wracking”.

       “We all know how influential my uncle was and how well he served the people.

       “I will have to double my efforts and try my best,” said Kudi, whose father Jantai was James’ younger brother.

       Kudi said it was an emotional year for him, having lost both his parents and uncle.

       “But I must be strong for the people of Baleh. We must see through what had been planned by Tan Sri James,” said the political secretary to caretaker chief minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       Masing, who was Baleh assemblyman since 1983, died on Oct 31 at the age of 72.

       Tony, 35, said it would be an uphill battle but he would do his best.

       “Besides the strict SOP, the lack of physical ceramah makes it hard to reach out to voters,” he added.