MIRI – The 12th Sarawak election is shaping into a battle akin to a “royal rumble” in wrestling terms where many will fight but only one will win.
There are three big coalitions in the arena: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the incumbent ruling corner with Sarawak Pakatan Harapan (PH) in one opposing corner and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) in another.
The rest, preparing to join the fray on their own in the fourth corner, are Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDS Baru), Sarawak PAS and numerous independents.
Political analyst Datuk Lawrence Lai, who is a senior lawyer and former Miri mayor, told The Vibes that there are many fighters in this election as compared to the previous state polls.
“As far as I can remember, this state election has the greatest number of contestants compared to any other state election in Sarawak.
“However, there are only three heavyweights as things stand today. They are GPS, PH and PSB.
“The rest will make up the numbers in the ring. They will fight but are very unlikely to make much impact.
“The upsets and (ultimate) winner will come from the heavyweight fights involving GPS, PH and PSB,” he said in an interview.
Lai stressed that GPS components Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu, Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak and Progressive Democratic Party have the upper hand in terms of financial resources, and material and logistical support.
“As the incumbent ruling government, they can tap into the enormous resources at their disposal.
“The opposition do not have such advantages in terms of money and utilities,” he said.
In Miri, the three state seats of Senadin, Pujut and Piasau are seeing multiple fights.
GPS’s SUPP will be challenged by DAP of PH, PSB, PBDS Baru, PBK and Aspirasi.
Lai said it is good that more contestants have emerged in this state election.
“It is good for democracy,” he said. “We all hope to see a fair fight so that the voters can decide who they want to vote for come polling day.”
Nominations of candidates went smoothly today in the 82 state constituencies despite bad weather in some locations.
Nomination closed this morning. Polling is on December 18. – The Vibes, December 6, 2021
