SANDAKAN POLLS | BN is considering standing in Sandakan with nomination for the by-election less than a week away, a high-level source told Malaysiakini.
According to the source, Sabah Umno leaders have met with MCA president Wee Ka Siong to discuss candidacy for the parliamentary seat.
"The candidate could be from MCA or a BN direct candidate, like in the Cameron Highlands by-election. I remember there being three potential candidates, two of whom are lawyers.
"The Umno supreme council will meet on April 22 at 3pm, and the BN supreme council later in the evening, to further discuss the by-election," the source said.
It is learned that both Umno and BN supreme council meetings will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre.
The source also noted that since Sandakan is a Chinese-majority constituency, BN should field a Chinese candidate.
Sandakan has 51 percent Chinese voters. Bumiputera voters comprise 26 percent, Malay 16 percent, and others seven percent.
Asked about BN's chances in the DAP stronghold, the source said that the weak price of palm oil may play in the opposition's favour, as many Chinese voters are engaged in the industry.
"Do not forget many Chinese are involved in palm oil plantations, so we have a certain winning chance."
Late incumbent's popularity
Another BN source disagreed, however, stating that the late Sandakan MP Stephen Wong's (below) popularity may trump the dip in palm oil prices – especially if DAP fields his daughter, Vivian, for the May 11 polls.
"From what we gather, Stephen is considered as someone who 'kerja sampai mati' (works to death) by locals. The day he passed away, he was still planning to attend some functions in Sandakan.
"I don't think the palm oil factor may favour us. Besides, the opposition in Sabah is in disarray, as many Sabah Umno leaders left the party last December."
The source pointed out that Sabah's second most populous town would be relatively unfamiliar terrain for MCA.
Sandakan was contested by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the past four general elections. After BN was deposed at the federal level last May, the party exited the coalition.
The source added, however, that MCA will make its final decision this Tuesday.
Sandakan visit
Contacted later, Wee said that his party will inform the media of its decision after it meets on Monday or Tuesday.
The MCA president paid a visit to Sandakan last Wednesday and met BN grassroots leaders there.
According to Sinchew Daily, Wee travelled to Sabah to discuss the by-election, with the Sandakan MCA secretary's name believed to be put forward for candidacy.
Previously, Malaysiakini reported that Sabah DAP will likely field Vivian to defend the coastal constituency.
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Rakyat Sabah (Star) and at least one independent candidate have also expressed interest in contesting in the polls.
PAS, meanwhile, decided to sit out the contest despite its Sabah chapter declaring that it was ready to field a candidate.
Nomination day for the Sandakan by-election will take place on April 27, with polling to follow two weeks later. - Mkini
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