PDP has sights on contesting in Batu Lintang in next Sarawak elections

Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, Sept 5: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Vice President, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, has made it clear that his party aims to contest and reclaim the Batu Lintang seat in the next Sarawak elections.

He emphasised this during an interview after attending a PDP Kota Sentosa branch event last night.

Wong explained that current Batu Lintang assemblyman, See Chee How, won the seat under Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) banner. However, See announced his resignation from PSB in 2022.

“The Batu Lintang seat rightfully belongs to PSB, as See won it under our banner. We invested significant resources and effort to secure this constituency, and now, we hope to reclaim it,” Wong stated.

He further mentioned that historically, Batu Lintang has not been a stronghold for Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), noting that previous assemblymen were from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Democratic Action Party (DAP) before See’s victory.

PDP is keen to establish its presence in the southern region of Sarawak, and Wong expressed his party’s intention to vie for the Batu Lintang seat, though he acknowledged that the final decision rests with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

When asked why PDP is focusing on Batu Lintang, a predominantly Chinese urban constituency, Wong responded that his party values both urban and rural areas equally. However, urban seats are limited, and most are traditionally contested by SUPP within the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition.

Wong also revealed that PDP has identified a potential candidate for the Batu Lintang seat but declined to disclose further details, stating that “politics is ever-changing,” and it is too early to make any announcements.

He added that PDP currently has seven branches in the southern region—Batu Kawah, Batu Kitang, Kota Sentosa, Pending, Padungan, Batu Lintang, and Sadong. The party plans to hold more gatherings to strengthen its presence in these areas.

As for concerns about causing tension within GPS, Wong emphasized that the ultimate decision will be made by the Premier, and PDP will continue to make its case for the seat.

He concluded by stating that Abang Johari is likely aware of PDP’s desire to contest in Batu Lintang.

In 2014, Wong who was SUPP Sibu branch chairman was sacked from SUPP. Wong then announced that he was joining Sarawak People’s Energy Party (TERAS). After less than three months, Wong announced that he was leaving TERAS and forming United Peoples’ Party (UPP).

In late 2018, Wong announced that UPP changed its name to Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB).

In 2014, Wong announced PSB would be dissolved and its members joining PDP en mass upon the dissolution. — DayakDaily