KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women chief Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah is hoping for an increase in the number of women candidates in the upcoming state polls.
“We hope that the number of women candidates will not go down. At least (the number) stays the same, but it would be best if there is an increase,” she said today.
She noted that the current number of women politicians in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) was still small.
For the number to increase significantly, it was essential for each GPS component party to increase its women candidates.
“They must also be winnable candidates,” she stressed.
Asked to comment on the possibility of the state and general elections being held simultaneously, Fatimah said consideration should be given to some challenges, namely in terms of familiarity among Sarawakian voters.
“If (the elections) were to be done (simultaneously), we have to educate, explain and clarify on how the process is done.
“Usually when polling day comes, there is only one (ballot) box. This time, there would be two boxes. Previously, it was one ballot paper, now there is two,” she said, citing examples of expected situations.
She added that the situation might cause confusion, particularly among senior citizens and first-time voters.
Despite this, Fatimah believed that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would make the best decision regarding the matter.
