SIBU: It was a good election outing for two party presidents, with one managing to retain his seat for the seventh term while the other made a successful debut.

       Parti Sarawak Bersatu president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh retained his Bawang Assan seat with a 913-majority vote, defeating four other contenders.

       Wong will now be serving Bawang Assan for the seventh term after first winning the seat in 1991.

       In Dudong, Progressive Democratic Party president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing – who represented Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) – won with a comfortable majority of 5,806 votes against seven other candidates.

       This election was Tiong’s first attempt at a state seat, although he has served as Bintulu MP for five terms since 1999.

       For Wong, the results of this election was a stark contrast to the six previous ones that he had won.

       “I lost quite heavily in the Dayak areas whereas before this, I got about 70% to 90% support from the community,” he said.

       He added that he was “saved” by voters from the Chinese community.

       “What I have lost in the Dayak community was made up by the strong support from the Chinese community.

       “I would like to thank the Chinese community in Bawang Assan for giving me strong support so that I can continue to serve,” he said.

       Following his victory, Tiong called on Dudong constituents to work with him.

       “We are looking at how to upgrade Dudong for the betterment of the people here,” he said.

       He thanked voters for giving GPS the opportunity.

       “I dedicate this victory to the people of Dudong. I will ensure that you are taken care of,” he said.

       Tiong added that it was the support of young voters that was a key factor in his victory.