Billy Abit Joo

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Billy Abit Joo
Member of the Malaysian Parliament
for Hulu Rajang, Sarawak
In office
1990–2013
Preceded byJustine Jinggot (SNAP)
Succeeded byWilson Ugak Kumbong (PRS)
Personal details
Born (1949-05-10) 10 May 1949 (age 74)
Crown Colony of Sarawak
Political partyPRSBarisan Nasional
OccupationPolitician

Datuk Billy Abit Joo (born 10 May 1949) was the Member of the Parliament of Malaysia for the Hulu Rajang constituency in Sarawak from 1990 to 2013.

Billy Abit entered Parliament in the 1990 election, running as an independent.[1][2] He later joined the Sarawak People's Party (PRS) in the Barisan Nasional coalition. His rural constituency was the largest by area in Malaysia.[1] In 2009, he led a parliamentary delegation into the constituency to enquire into living conditions of the Penan people.[3] He has called for the establishment of forest reserves for the Penans.[4] In 2008, he crossed party lines to be the only government MP to sign a petition for the review of Malaysia's Internal Security Act.[5]

Billy Abit's parliamentary career came to an end at the 2013 election, when the PRS nominated Wilson Ugak Kumbong to contest Hulu Rajang.[6]

Election results[edit]

Parliament of Malaysia: Hulu Rajang, Sarawak[2]
Year Government Votes Pct Opposition Votes Pct
1990 Justine Jinggut 4,200 42% Billy Abit Joo (IND) 5,393 54%
1995 Billy Abit Joo 6,731 67% Lucius Jimbun (IND) 3,084 31%
1999 Billy Abit Joo 6,884 70% Kumbong Langit (IND) 2,751 28%
2004 Billy Abit Joo 6,949 67% Bendindang Manjah (SNAP) 3,283 32%
2008 Billy Abit Joo 6,590 59% George Lagong (IND) 4,426 25%

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Suhaini Aznam (7 March 2008). "Standing up for his folk". The Star. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  2. ^ a b "Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum Parlimen/Dewan Undangan Negeri". Election Commission of Malaysia. Archived from the original on 6 September 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2010. Percentage figures based on total turnout.
  3. ^ Then, Stephen (27 July 2009). "M'sian politicians to go deep into Borneo to see Penan plight". The Star. Archived from the original on 31 August 2009. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  4. ^ "Set up forest reserves for Penans, Government urged". The Star. 30 October 2008. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  5. ^ "Mystery solved – it was Billy Abit". The Star. 26 October 2008. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  6. ^ Sibon, Peter (30 March 2013). "Hulu Rajang a Barisan stronghold — Ugak". Borneo Post. Retrieved 22 November 2014.