Result of SPDP Deputy President Fight

Kuching
29 December 2009

Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) deputy president Datuk Peter Nyarok managed to see off the challenge to his post comfortably by a majority of 135 votes in the party’s polls here today.

The long-serving Krian assemblyman garnered 201 votes to defeat his challenger Philip Ngo, 45, who only managed to secure 66 votes in the polls held in conjunction with the party’s Triennial General Assembly (TGA).

Peter Nyarok - Defeated Philip Ngo by 135 Votes

Nyarok, 67, who is also state assistant minister for modernisation of agriculture, has held the post since 2003. Ngo’s candidacy was a direct challenge to party president Datuk Seri William Mawan Ikom’s status quo plan to retain the existing leadership line-up.

Mawan, who is also state Social Development and Urbanisation Minister, was returned unopposed for the third consecutive term.

Other top leaders who won without fights were senior vice-presidents Datuk Peter Nansian (state Assistant Minister for Environment) and Datuk Jacob Sagan (International Trade and Industry deputy minister) and party treasurer-general Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

In the contest for the three vice-president posts, Deputy Home Minister Jelaing Mersat, Mas Gading Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe and Ba’Kelalan assemblyman Nelson Ballang were elected.

Lawyer Robert Ayu is the new Youth Chief while Chiew Yen Chew is the SPDP women’s wing chief.

The 14 supreme council members elected from among 35 candidates were Peter Howell Jilan, Sebastian Janting Takin, Datin Winnie Jolly Sagan, James Laju Ambok, Paul Igai, Chambai Lindong, Eda Igar, Narmal Singh, Ting Kew Ming, Liew Ah Lek, Tiong Yong Hing, George Garai Mundu, Ambrose Jarat and Peter Gani Kiai.

SPDP was set up in 2002 after the Registrar of Societies (ROS) revoked the registration of the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) for failing to resolve a leadership crisis.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opened the TDC today.

Meanwhile, Mawan urged the new line-up in the Supreme Council to work hard to maintain party solidarity.

“I would like to congratulate those who won. However, winning isn’t everything. We have to work hard.

“For those candidates who lost they must accept defeat and they are still part of the party,” he told reporters after the results were announced today. — Bernama

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