KUCHING: It's a four-cornered fight in Batu Kawah, where incumbent Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian (pic) from GPS will face three challengers from other parties.

       Besides Dr Sim, the seat will be contested by Kelvin Yii from DAP, Chai Kueh Khun from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Fong Pau Teck from the Sarawak People's Aspiration Party (Aspirasi).

       Returning Officer Ita Ling announced that nomination papers were received from all four candidates and none were rejected.

       Dr Sim was the first to file his papers at 9am, followed by Yii at 9.02am, Chai at 9.03am and Fong at 9.12am on Monday (Dec 6).

       Dr Sim, who is the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president, said he wanted to see a fair and clean campaign over the next 12 days.

       "Nowadays there is a lot of fake news and abuse on social media. This is not our culture," he told reporters.

       He also thanked voters in Batu Kawah for their support, cooperation and trust in him over the last five years, adding that his results in bringing development to the constituency spoke for themselves.

       Yii, who is Bandar Kuching MP, said his focus was on building Sarawakians, including the people of Batu Kawah.

       "I want to come up with good ideas and policies that will benefit the people of Batu Kawah, especially those affected by the pandemic," said Yii.

       "They need help to find better jobs and a better source of income, as well as getting direct assistance from the government," he added.