SUPP will have the upper hand in seat allocations, says analyst

 

An analyst says GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg might be inclined towards SUPP’s requests due to their long-standing alliance.

PETALING JAYA: The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) will wield significant influence in the redistribution of seats, especially those held by the now-dissolved Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), says an analyst.

Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir said SUPP’s bargaining power would come from its strengthened position after securing 13 out of 18 contested seats in the 2021 state polls, making it the second largest party in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

“SUPP won many seats in the last election. It was a great improvement from the previous election. I think SUPP has the upper hand,” Jeniri told FMT.

GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg had sought to play down speculation of internal strife in GPS following PSB’s dissolution and the shift of its leaders to the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

When asked what would happen to seats allocated to SUPP but won by PSB in the 2021 state polls, the Sarawak premier said the ruling coalition would “cross that bridge” when it came to it.

Abang Johari said only two seats – Bawang Assan and Engkilili – would be under dispute since Ba’Kelalan is traditionally contested by PDP.

Jeniri also said that Abang Johari might be inclined towards SUPP’s requests due to their long-standing alliance, compared to the former PSB members who were now with PDP.

“Abang Johari will have to listen to SUPP since it has been loyal all this while,” he said.

He added that SUPP would strongly defend its traditionally held seats such as Bawang Assan, which is currently held by Wong Soon Koh, a former SUPP member.

Wong, who has been Bawang Assan’s assemblyman since 1991 was sacked by the party in 2014.

“Going back to history, these seats traditionally belong to SUPP and they will not easily give them up to (former PSB members),” Jeniri said.

Offering a contrasting view, James Chin of the University of Tasmania said the two disputed seats could go to PDP.

“The golden rule in GPS is that the incumbent keeps the seat,” Chin said.

However, he also warned of potential conflict if the seats were allocated to SUPP, saying PDP members might choose to back an independent candidate. - FMT