He will be representing Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) in the Jemoreng state seat.
The announcement was made by Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem, who is also PBB chairman, at a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Juanda, who is the deputy chief of the Sarawak Islamic Council, has accepted the candidacy as an honour, saying he will work hard to bring to fruition Adenan’s aspirations.
“As a newbie in real politics, of course I will work hard to look after the interests of the rakyat and to continue positive policies for the people.
“This is especially so in developing rural areas. I am also from the rural area there,” said Dr Juanda, who is from Kampung Igan in the Jemoreng constituency.
The Jemoreng seat was previously held by Gani @ Abu Seman Jahwie from the same party.
The seat is considered a BN safe seat. Gani garnered 77.6% of the votes in the last election.
During the 13th General Election, there was speculation that Juanda would be made a candidate for PKR in the Kangar parliamentary seat but no such announcement was made.
The eight names announced today complete the 40 candidates set to contest for PBB, including two who will be contesting in the new state seats of Kabong and Bukit Goram.
Meanwhile, two out of three “direct BN” candidates, Miro Anak Simuh (Serembu) and Gerawat Jala (Mulu), today handed in their letters stating their intent to exit PBB.
Gerawat, when met by reporters after the press conference, said he would place emphasis on providing basic amenities such as electricity and clean water supply. These are still lacking in the area, made up mainly of Orang Ulu.
“Apart from basic necessities, the economic status of the people there must also be elevated. There is much more to be done.”
Miro, also voicing the same concerns, said emphasis must also be given to development projects for the locals.
“Even though it (Serembu) is near Kuching, there is still much to catch up on in terms of development, specifically education.
“For instance, there are old schools that need to be upgraded for the comfort of the students and teachers.”
He declined to reveal what his plans were should he win the seat, Instead, he stressed the importance of team work in achieving the goal.
The Election Commission (EC) is to convene a meeting this Thursday to discuss nomination and polling dates for the Sarawak election.
A total of 82 seats will be contested in this election, including 11 new seats, which are Batu Kitang, Stakan, Serembu, Bukit Semuja, Gedong, Kabong, Tellian, Bukit Goram, Murum, Samalaju and Mulu.