KUCHING: Baleh assemblyman, Nicholas Kudi Jantai, says he is ready to defend his seat if entrusted by the party leadership in the next state election.
Kudi said there were currently no issues regarding his position as the incumbent representative and that he was prepared to face the election whenever it is called.
“As the incumbent representative for Baleh, I am ready to face the coming election at any time,” he said when asked by Sarawak Tribune about speculation surrounding his candidacy.
The first-term assemblyman said he remains confident in the support of the party and voters, while stressing that the decision on candidates ultimately rests with the leadership of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Kudi added that speculation surrounding his candidacy had not affected his focus, adding that his priority remains serving the people and advancing development in Baleh.
“My main focus now is developing the area and providing the best service to the people of Baleh,” he said.
He added that he remains committed to building on the development agenda championed by the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, former Baleh assemblyman, and ensuring that planned initiatives are brought to fruition for the benefit of local communities.
Kudi also stressed the importance of leadership continuity, saying elected representatives require time to understand local issues, identify the needs of different segments of society, and earn the trust of constituents.
“Continuity allows me to better understand local circumstances, communicate more effectively and be a more trusted voice for the people at the government level,” he said.
PRS President, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai, however, said it was still too early to discuss candidates for the next state election.
“It is still early to talk about candidates and the election,” he said when contacted today (June 6).
The statement comes several months after Kudi and Pelagus assemblyman, Wilson Nyabong Ijang, were left out of the PRS’ appointed Supreme Council line-up following the party’s Triennial Delegates Conference last October.
Sikie later said it was not necessary for all vacant positions to be filled immediately, while both assemblymen have continued focusing on their constituencies.
Recently, GPS’ Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, voiced support for leadership continuity in Pelagus, praising Nyabong’s efforts in driving development and highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum in the constituency.
Meanwhile, PRS’ Youth Chief, Christopher Gira Sambang, said both Nyabong and Kudi should be retained as candidates in the next state election.
“Personally, I think Wilson Nyabong, who is serving his second term as Pelagus assemblyman, has done a good job for his constituency. Kudi, who is serving his first term in Baleh, has also done well for the Baleh community.
“Both of them should be retained as candidates in the next state election,” he said.
Gira acknowledged however that the final decision rests with the party and GPS leadership.
