KUCHING: Chinese majority urban seats are likely to be the hot seats in the 15th general election (GE15), according to a political analyst.
Professor Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah singled out seats such as Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Sarikei, Lanang, Sibu and Miri.
“But I see most Sarawakians including the Chinese wish to give Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) a chance this time around.
“Most of the voters this time around want to be part of the winning team.
“Interestingly, this time they (Chinese voters) seem to be more open and dare to voice their support tendencies,” he told New Sarawak Tribune, yesterday (Nov 6).
GPS fielded new faces in the seats mentioned by Lee, namely Eric Tay Tze Kok (Bandar Kuching), Lo Khere Chiang (Stampin), Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii (Sarikei), Wong Ching Yong (Lanang), Clarence Ting Ing Horh (Sibu) and Jeffery Phang for Miri.
Lee believes GPS especially has chosen the best candidates based on the grassroots support.
“For example, previously there were rumours that Teng Ung Woo, a political secretary to the Premier will be a candidate.
“But after feedback collected from all parties, including the Chinese community at the urban area, they decided to put up Huang.
“I believe that move has secured one parliamentary seat for GPS-Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP),” he added.
All of the aforementioned candidates are from SUPP, a component party in GPS alongside Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
Both Lo and Huang are currently state assemblymen, with the former in Batu Kitang and Huang in Repok.
It will be a four-cornered fight in Lanang and Wong is up against Wong Tiing Kiong (Independent), Priscilla Lau (Parti Bumi Kenyalang), and Alice Lau of Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Stampin, Sibu, Miri, Bandar Kuching will witness three-cornered fights while Sarikei will see a straight fight between Huang and Roderick Wong of DAP.
Early voting is on Nov 15 and polling day is on Nov 19.
