KUCHING, April 24 — Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian heads the list of 15 new federal candidates to be fielded by the state Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 14th general election (GE14).

Dr Sim, 53, who is also the state minister of local government and housing and state assemblyman for Batu Kawah, will contest in Stampin, a semi-urban constituency,  where he will face Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen who was announced as the Opposition's candidate last night.

The list was announced by Sarawak BN chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg at the PBB headquarters.

The other new faces are Datuk Hanifah  Hajar, 46, the youngest daughter of Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, who will contest in Mukah; SUPP Wanita chief Kho Teck Wan, 42, in Bandar Kuching; and former senior officer with the Lands and Survey Genot anak Sinel, 53, in Puncak Borneo.

The rest of the newcomers are former Bukit Saban assemblyman Robert Lawson Chuat, 60, in Betong; former senior deputy public prosecutor Robert Pasang Alam, 52; businessman Jagah alias Subeng anak Mula, 55, in Saratok; engineer Yusuf Abdul Wahab, 55, in Tanjong Manis;  and Repok state assemblyman Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, 49, in Sarikei.

The others are businessman Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, 56, in Igan; businessman Kelvin Kong Shen Chiu, 46, in Lanang; businessman Andrew Wong Kee Yew, 42, in Sibu; lawyer Rita Sarimah anak Patrick Insol, 57, in Selangau; Youth chief of PBB Piasau branch Lukanisman Awang Sauni, 36, in Sebuti; and SUPP secretary general and Piasau state assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, 63, in Miri.

Among the 15 new faces, six are from PBB, six from SUPP, two from Parti Rakyat Sarawak and one from Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

Only federal seats will be contested in Sarawak during the general election, as the state polls are not due until 2021.

Abang Johari, who is also the chief minister, said 16 incumbents were retained to defend their respective seats.

They are Datuk Anthony Nogeh (Mas Gading), Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jafaar (Santubong), Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (Petra Jaya), Datuk Richard Riot Jaem (Serian), Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (Batang Sadong), Datuk Seri Rohani Karim (Batang Lupar), Datuk Masir Kujat (Sri Aman) and Datuk Joseph Salang (Julau).

 The rest are Datuk Aaron Dagang (Kanowit), Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi (Kapit) and Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (Hulu Rajang), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing,  Anyi Ngau (Baram), Hasbi Habbillah (Limbang) and Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lawas).

Out of the 31 candidates from the state Barisan Nasional, 14 of them are from PBB, seven from SUPP, six from PRS and four from PDP.

He said six of the 31 candidates are women.

The 31 candidates will receive their credentials from Abang Johari tomorrow.

Abang Johari said all the 31 candidates have been cleared by the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.