Bob, a dentist, is relying on his long time association with Miri folk for the last 33 years.

He believes his “personal touch” will help him prevail in his challenge against Lee Kim Shin, an assistant minister of infrastructure, development and communications, and vice-president of SUPP.

“Of course their incumbent is a (assistant) minister, promising things like projects and peruntukan (allocations), typical Barisan Nasional strategy,” Bob told FMT. “But we also have our own strategy. I’ve been in Miri for 33 years serving the community.”

In 2011 Lee narrowly avoided defeat by Michael Teo of Pakatan Rakyat, eking out a victory by 58 votes. The BN will be relying on him to retain the seat, the only state seat in Miri still controlled by BN. In 2011, the DAP won Pujut and Piasau, the two other state seats within the parliamentary constituency.

Last week, Lee launched the SUPP “war truck” to help him convey his message at various political ceramahs and get-togethers with voters.

Bob, originally from Lawas, is a respected dentist who plied his trade in Miri for many years, earning the respect of the community. He was formerly also active in a BN component party.

He said he would use his “personal touch” and “tight knit” ties with the people in Senadin and Miri to fight for their rights.

“My network is through people and these are the people who will be voting. My campaign is by word of mouth and the personal touch as I am sharing what is happening in this country and what we can be in the country and Sarawak,” he said.

DAP is very confident of capturing Senadin and retaining Pujut and Piasau when voters go to the polls on May 7.

Pujut will be contested by Dr Ting Tiong Choon against Sarawak PAS commissioner Jofrie Jaraiee and BN direct candidate Hii King Chiong.

In Piasau, Sarawak DAP secretary Alan Ling will go against SUPP’s Sebastian Ting.

Nominations will be filed from 9am-10am tomorrow at all 82 centres.