KUCHING: The 19th Sarawak state elections kick off today, and though two of the country’s largest coalitions are staying out, it is still expected to be a crowded affair.
Both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) have opted out to ensure their ally, the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), retains control of the country’s largest state.
GPS, born from the ashes of Sarawak BN after the 2018 general election, is widely expected to win, though the question is how many seats they can garner.
The results will also be telling of the support for chief minister Abang Johari Openg, who
Against GPS is Pakatan Harapan (PH) which is contesting 55 seats, as well as a host of local parties including Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Parti Sedar Rakyat Sarawak (Sedar), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDS Baru) and Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi).
All eyes, though, will be on PSB, undoubtedly the strongest of all Sarawak opposition parties, which is making its first election outing after its rebranding in December 2018. Party president and former state minister Wong Soon Koh leads a lineup that includes former PKR duo Baru Bian and See Chee How, as well as members of the former assembly and MPs.
A breakdown in seat negotiations between PSB and PH — in particular, DAP — will undoubtedly add some excitement, with the opposition parties set to clash in more than half of the seats up for grabs.
Jabs have been exchanged particularly between PSB and DAP, with the former’s president, Wong, reportedly telling Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen not to speak “so highly of himself”.
Meanwhile, Chong accused PSB of having “suspicious and questionable financial backers”, and that the party had the same ideology and modus operandi as GPS.
PSB is contesting in 70 seats while PH is vying for 55 seats.
PKR will be seeking to rebound after its poor outing at the recent Melaka polls, in which the Anwar Ibrahim-led party lost in all 11 seats contested.
There are concerns among PH supporters after Anwar expressed discontent with the seats allotted for his party, claiming that PKR was given “category F” constituencies during seat negotiations with its allies DAP and Amanah.
National Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir however believes that this will not matter as PKR’s chances of winning are very low regardless of the number of seats.
“They do not have a strong grassroots in Sarawak. In 2016, they only won three seats. Even then, it was down to leaders like Baru, See, and Ali Biju. All three have since left.
“The real fight in this election is between GPS, PSB and DAP. That’s it,” he said, highlighting the main election issues being the politics of development, as well as local concerns such as native customary rights (NCR) land, cost of living, and the economy.
Jeniri said the seats to watch will be Ba Kelalan where PSB’s Baru will defend his seat, Bawang Assan, which will see six-term assemblyman Wong square off with SUPP assistant treasurer Robert Lau, as well as Batu Kawah which will see Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian defending his constituency against DAP’s candidate Dr Kelvin Yii.
He added that GPS is likely to win the election and secure the lion’s share of the rural seats which comprise two-thirds of the 82 seats.
“GPS has been solidifying its support in these areas. The state government has tabled budgets of over RM10 billion for the past four years and 65% of this is spent on rural areas.
“However, while a disunited opposition makes it easier for GPS, it may not necessarily be a walk in the park because the opposition also has some strong candidates.”
Sarawak goes to the polls on Dec 18, with nominations taking place tomorrow and early voting slated for Dec 14. - FMT
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