KUCHING: There is a possibility that Baru Bian will contest in another constituency instead of defending his Selangau parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election (GE15) as to “play it safe”.
Political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Baru was able to win the seat under PKR ticket in 2018, despite a slim majority of 486 votes, because his party was considered a strong party and he was the party chief back then.
He said another reason that he managed to wrest the seat from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) was due to the party’s internal turmoil.
“Baru had the opportunity and advantage to grab the seat from PRS in the last general election as the party was not stable due to internal crisis. But, PRS has resolved the issues and became stronger now,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
“He is also no longer the PKR chief and is not holding any ministerial post, thus, it is very difficult for him to attract support and vote,” he said.
He was commenting on Baru’s recent statement that the latter would leave the decision of whether or not he will defend his Selangau parliamentary seat to his constituents.
Baru said he would go on the ground in my constituency to collect feedback before making any move.
Therefore, Awang Azman said it would be no surprise if Baru gives up defending his Selangau seat but moves to contest in the Orang Ulu majority seats, especially Baram.
He said such a move would be safer for Baru, who is also the Ba’Kelalan assemblyman, as the seat is not too far away from his state constituency.
“It is safer for him to do so but does not guarantee that he could win as well,” he added.
When asked why Baram is a more suitable seat instead of Hulu Rajang and Lawas, which were also the Orang Ulu majority seats, Awang Azman explained that the other two were GPS strongholds.
“As for Baram, Pakatan Harapan managed to garner 45.55 per cent of the total votes in the last general election. Thus, it is possible for Baru to move from Selangau to Baram in GE15,” he added.