Dayak, Orang Ulu seats no longer safe for PBB-led GPS

Merdeka Center notes that preliminary data from GE14 indicates shift of support from non-Muslim Sarawak Bumiputeras for Pakatan Harapan.

Merdeka Center executive director Ibrahim Suffian says the support from the Malay-Melanau community for PBB only dropped 1-2%.

GOMBAK: The Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu majority seats in Sarawak are no longer “safe seats” for Gabungan Parti Sarawak, says research firm Merdeka Center.

Merdeka Center executive director Ibrahim Suffian said this was because preliminary data from the May 9 polls indicated a drop of support from these communities for GPS and its lynchpin, the PBB.

Speaking at a seminar titled “GE14: An Analysis”, Ibrahim said in the past, support for the PBB-led coalition of Sarawak-based parties from the state’s non-Muslim Bumiputera community was 55-60%.

“Based on the GE14 results, the support from the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh and Iban community stands at around 50%.

“Comparatively, the support from the Malay-Melanau community for PBB only dropped around 1-2%.

“So, the non-Muslim Bumiputera seats are no longer safe.”

In GE14, the PBB-led coalition lost 12 seats. The coalition lost Puncak Borneo, Selangau, Lubok Antu, Julau, Saratok and Mas Gading which are non-Muslim-majority Bumiputera seats.

The coalition also lost Stampin, Bandar Kuching, Sarikei, Sibu, Lanang and Miri, which are Chinese-majority seats.

Ibrahim said if GPS didn’t undergo reform, it could face a tough challenge in winning the next state election.

“It’s going to be tough because they are no longer aligned to the federal government

“It must be remembered that less than half of the state seats are Malay-Melanau majority. Adding to the mix is PPBM, which will have a presence there.”

Still, Ibrahim said it was still “early days” and the key challenges for GPS was to deliver on its election promises.

Recently, PPBM chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the party would spread its wings to Sarawak after receiving requests to have a presence there. -FMT