PKR to field greenhorns in Sarawak

Some 60% of Sarawak PKR's candidates in the coming 13th general election are likely to be professionals but 'political novices'.

KUCHING: Taking the que from Sarawak DAP, opposition PKR is set to field greenhorns in the 13th general election which will see contest in 31 parliamentary seats in the state.

Both state DAP and PKR are reportedly vying for 12 seats each. The more confident of the two is DAP having scored unprecedented win in last April’s state elction.

DAP won 12 of the 15 seats it contested literally wiping off Sarawak political landscape of Barisan Nasional’s Sarawak United Peoples party (SUPP).

PKR on its part contested in 49 constituencies and managed to win three seats in Ba’ Kelalan, Krian and Batu Lintang.

Going into the 13th GE, DAP has already revealed that about 50% of the candidates would be in their 20s and graduates.

PKR on its part has declared that at least 60% of its potential YBs would be below 40-years old.

According to PKR Election Committee Secretariat’s state representative Baharuddin Mokhsen although the candidates were “political novices” they were professionals and “highly intellectual.”

“It won’t be easy to intimidate them.  Most importantly, their youthful presence would appeal to the young voters,” he reportedly said.

Baharuddin said the party had identified their candidates and were almost ready for the 13th general election.

He said seat negotiations between component parties of Pakatan Rakyat were moving along well “except for  certain seats.”

“Everyone is in high spirits. We’re ironing out the details in a few seats.  We are almost ready for GE13.”

Logistical issues
Baharuddin said Pakatan had learnt a great deal from last April’s state elections and was fully aware that it needed to consolidate its campaigns in rural areas.

The party has been working hard in seven constituencies, namely Stampin, Baram, Layar, Julau, Selangau, Mambong and Saratok.

Five other seats which are also said to be on PKR;s wishlist is Mas Gading, Petrajaya, Batang Lupar, Kanowit and Kapit but DAP has also shown interest here.

The logistics of rural interior seats such as Baram and Layar are one that PKR is striving to handle.

“We have been going to the ground, especially on seven seats that we are going to contest to ensure everything is in place.

“We have talked to the key people who are to be involved in the election such as the counting and polling agents, the potential candidates and on our manpower and other election requirements.

“We are not taking things for granted,” he said.