By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Oct 21: A political pundit has predicted that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) may secure as many as 25 to 28 seats in the 15th General Election when the country goes to the polls on Nov 19.
Believing that GPS may capture 80 per cent of the 31 total parliamentary seats, Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan of Universiti Petra Malaysia held that the seats garnered will allow GPS to have “the clout to weigh in on forming the next government at the Federal level”.
He went on to look at the performance of each component party within GPS.
For PBB, he said the party is not expected to lose any of its seats that it will contest in, especially in the Malay-Melanau majority areas.
“Its Iban seats do not seems to be in trouble, except some Bidayuh-majority seats especially Puncak Borneo, depending on who PBB puts there.
“If the incumbent who has joined PBB is not fielded (referring to Datuk Willie Mongin), then there might be some issue,” said Dr Jayum when contacted.
In GE14, PBB lost only one seat — Puncak Borneo to PKR’s Willie, who has now joined the party.
On the urban seats, he predicted that Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) will have an improved performance as the influence of Democratic Action Party has waned, but has not been wiped out.
“SUPP is expected to do okay but I won’t expect it will sweep all Chinese urban constituencies.
“The influence of DAP in urban areas may be reduced, as SUPP is now seen as the needed Chinese voice in the government.”
On Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), Jayum described them to be the parties “taking the beating for GPS”.
For PRS, he believed the biggest challenge is in Julau. Between the party’s potential candidates of president Datuk Joseph Salang and secretary general Datuk Janang Bungsu, he said the former will be fielded.
“PRS may face a strong challenge with Salang back in Julau. The party is already seeing conflict between who PRS should put up. It is expected that Salang as president will be picked.”
Another area of concern for PRS, Dr Jayum said, is Sri Aman where its candidate Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie, being a woman, has to work exceptionally hard to win the seat back for PRS.
For PDP, Dr Jayum highlighted Saratok and Bintulu to be the two seats where the party will face some tough challenges.
“PDP may be facing a strong challenge in Saratok; it won’t be an easy ride in Bintulu either if PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or any other Opposition party has a fairly good candidate. The last candidate was Dr John Brian but he has left DAP to be with PBDS (Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak),” said Dr Jayum. — DayakDaily
