KUCHING: Political analysts predicted that the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) will likely secure the Bawang Assan constituency in Sarawak’s upcoming state election, replacing the long-serving incumbent, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh.
Wong, 82, a senior vice-president of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), has represented Bawang Assan since 1991.
Recently, SUPP president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called for the need for younger leaders to drive development in the area, citing its lagging infrastructure.
Council of Professors fellow Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir supported Dr Sim’s statement, considering it timely. He noted that Wong is unlikely to run again due to health and age concerns.
“It’s high time to pass the baton to young, capable leaders who can bring fresh ideas and energy to the PDP,” Jeniri was quoted as saying in a FMT report.
Jeniri opined that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Sarawak’s ruling coalition, would likely allocate the seat to SUPP in the next election, given the party’s historical hold on the constituency and its strong performance in the last election. Wong initially won the seat under the SUPP banner.
Jeniri also mentioned that GPS chairman and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg holds the authority to resolve any disputes regarding the seat allocation.
“He has extensive experience in handling past crises. I don’t believe this will create a crisis because, traditionally, coalition members listen to their leader,” he said.
Meanwhile, James Chin, a professor of University of Tasmania, dismissed the current spat over who will contest the Bawang Assan constituency as mere “shadowboxing,” a preparatory move for the upcoming election.
He also pointed out that the final decision rests with Abang Johari.
“Sarawak is the only state where the Premier has complete autonomy in selecting candidates for state elections. He doesn’t have to consult anyone. At the end of the day, it is the Premier who decides,” he said.
Wong, who left SUPP in 2014, formed the United People’s Party (UPP), which was renamed Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) four years later. PSB dissolved in April this year, with its members joining PDP en bloc.
Last week, PBB vice-president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah urged GPS partners to maintain unity and avoid disputes over seat negotiations.
