Dr Jerip not an issue in Bengoh

KUCHING: The voters in N16 Bengoh constituency are still supportive of incumbent Dr Belek @Jerip Anak Susil, 53, from the troubled Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) which lost eight seats at the last state election in 2006.

The voters still wants Dr Jerip to stay but not the party he is representing. They wanted SUPP move out of the area and swap the seat with either PBB or SPDP.

"Dr Jerip he is still relatively young in politics. He still have at least 10 more years to be in active politics and to ease him out prematurely is a lost to the constituency," said Jerip's supporters met during a function in Bengoh recently.

At least four individuals are keen on the seat. They are a senior custom officer, a bank officer, an accountant and two times election candidate Mangan Ngandok.

The accountant is often seen with Mambong member of Parliament Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit at functions attended by Dawos.

"If the party leadership (SUPP/BN) decided not to re-nominate Dr Jerip then Datuk (Dr James Dawos) will recommend the accountant will to the party leadership to contest in Bengoh constituency," said a source close to Dr Dawos.

“No matter who is the representative in Bengoh if he/she is from SUPP it will make no difference,” said Dr Jerip sympathizers.

SPDP is making its presence there and had won praises from the people.
Bengoh is one of two Bidayuh-majority seats controlled by SUPP. The other is Opar.