Henry: PDP ready to defend eight seats under GPS

BAU : Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) is ready to defend the eight seats it currently holds under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the upcoming Sarawak state election, said its deputy president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.

However, Henry said the selection of candidates, including whether he would defend the Tasik Biru seat, would be determined by the party and the GPS top leadership.

He said PDP had yet to submit its proposed candidates to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for consideration.

“I cannot decide for myself where to contest. Nominations must come from the party before being passed to the GPS top leadership for a decision.

“If the people want me to continue serving in Bau, I will continue,” he told reporters after officiating at the National Sports Day and Sarawak Academy Fire Trail (SAFT) Run 2026 launch ceremony at the Fire and Rescue Academy Malaysia Sarawak here today (Oct. 18).

Henry said candidate selection should take into account the suitability of the individual for the local community and the development agenda that needed to be carried out.

He stressed that elected representatives must remain committed to serving the people throughout their term, rather than becoming active only when an election approaches.

“We are not seasonal politicians. Since being elected as people’s representatives, we have continued to work until the end of our term,” he said.

On Tasik Biru’s development prospects, Henry said substantial work remained to be done to realise the aspiration of making Bau a developed town by 2030.

He said the constituency’s master plan was still incomplete and required continued implementation to achieve its targets.

“My master plan is not yet complete and must continue until 2030 to make Bau a developed town in Sarawak.

“There is still a lot of work to be done in Tasik Biru,” he said, emphasising the need for continuity in the constituency’s development agenda.