Chieng (facing camera) and his father share a heartwarming embrace after the results were announced.
SIBU (Dec 18): Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) Joseph Chieng trumped Democratic Action Party (DAP) Irene Chang, wresting the Bukit Assek seat from DAP with a majority of 874 votes.
Chieng garnered 4,684 votes against Chang, who obtained 3,810 votes.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s (PBK) Priscilla Lau accumulated 2,598 votes, followed by Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) Andrew Ting (1,790), Independent candidate Hii Tiong Huat (313) and Aspirasi’s Jess Lau (209).
Voter turnout was only 49.29 per cent, with a total of 144 spoilt votes.
Chieng expressed gratitude to voters for giving him the mandate to be their people’s representative.
After winning the election, Chieng said he would “start work immediately” tomorrow.
“I will be happy to be happy for one night. Tomorrow, I will start work immediately,” he said.
Chieng added that Bukit Assek has been neglected for so many years, and now it was time for a change.
The seat has been dubbed as a DAP stronghold for the past two decades.
DAP had held on to the seat since Richard Wong Ho Leng defeated Datuk Patinggi Dr Wong Soon Kai in 1996 with a 226 votes majority.
Chieng’s father, Datuk Chieng Buong Toon, was at the venue and later gave his son a deep embrace.
Meanwhile, Chang when interviewed accepted the results as the verdict and decision of Bukit Assek voters.
“Once again, I can only say my conscience is clear. I have tried my best and since GPS has won, I congratulate them.”
She said the onus was now on Chieng to deliver his promises and make good to the people and she hoped he will not disappoint the people.
On her part, Chang said she would have a good rest before deciding on her next steps.
Chang added that the low voter turnout due to the heavy rain in the morning, and the fact that there were so many opposition parties out to split the votes, could have been the reasons for her defeat.
“But never mind. I hope Chieng will carry out his promises to the people of Bukit Assek,” she said.
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