SIMUNJAN: As campaigning for the 12th Sarawak election approaches the midway point, PKR advisory council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (pic) has urged Sarawakians to vote for leaders who will never forget about locals in their constituents.

       Dr Wan Azizah said the responsibility of an elected assemblyman is to ensure the welfare of their electorates were taken care of, but it seemed as though elected representatives from the ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) had sidelined the welfare of its electorates.

       “Many had won, they were given positions and promotions. But, they forget about the people. We don’t want that. This place has long been under GPS, don’t make the same mistake.

       “This is the time for us to change leaders here. Vote for PKR’s Hapeni Fadil,” she said when campaigning at a longhouse in Simunjan on Friday (Dec 10).

       Dr Wan Azizah also said it’s okay if leaders from the ruling coalition are showering locals with gifts ahead of polling day.

       “But, your vote is a secret and it has to be given to someone responsible. We also want a local leader elected as a representative.

       “They will give all kinds, money and gifts. That isn’t their money, but public funds. Take the gift, but don’t vote for anything other than PKR,” she said.

       Dr Wan Azizah also urged locals in Simunjan to come out and vote on polling day.

       “We must have enough voter turnout,” she added.

       Simunjan is a district located some 83km southeast of Kuching and most of its inhabitants are of Iban descent.

       There are 8,299 registered voters in Simunjan and it will see a four-cornered fight between PKR’s Hapeni, GPS’ Awla Dris, Parti Sarawak Bersatu’s (PSB) Raily Ali and Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s (PBK) Saharuddin Abdullah.

       Later on, Dr Wan Azizah headed to Asajaya to support PKR candidate Mahmud Epah, 34, who will be taking on GPS’ Abd Karim Rahman Hamzah, PSB’s Ishak Buji and PBK’s Mohamad Hamdeen Saharuddin.

       She accompanied Mahmud during a walkabout at a market nearby Asajaya.

       Dr Wan Azizah urged the public to give a chance to young candidates contesting in the 12th Sarawak state election.

       “Please give your support to these young candidates, as they know what is needed in the respective areas,” added Dr Wan Azizah.

       There are 12,349 registered voters in Asajaya, and in the previous state election in 2016, Karim managed to garner a 6,163 majority in a straight fight against PKR.