KUCHING: It is quite obvious that any individual or political party, especially Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) and Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) will not make an impact in the Jepak state seat by-election.
Political scientist of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Professor Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan said these parties have been tested in previous elections.
“They cannot make any impact there and perhaps they have seriously miscalculated their chance in Jepak should they decide to go for it.
“But, it is alright (if they want to contest) as democracy invites contest for healthy governance and to keep those in power on their toes,” he said.
Speaking to the New Sarawak Tribune, Jayum said it would be generally an accepted fact that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would have a walkover in Jepak whoever it nominates as candidate.
This, he said, was attributed to the political stability of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), especially the Bumiputera wing.
Jayum, who is also the Fellow, Academy of Sciences, Malaysia, said the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is PBB President and GPS Chairman, has been firm and bold.
“He is doing many right things to put Sarawak on the path to growth in decades to come in view of the fact that the new centre of growth will be Borneo, given that Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara will be the catalyst.
“Thus, there is no need for GPS or PBB to appeal to any party to not contest or to allow GPS to win unopposed,” he said.
“Instead, PBB should welcome contests in the true spirit of democracy, especially when they have a good leader like Abang Johari and surely the party will prevail in Jepak,” he added.
On Thursday, GPS chief whip Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof suggested that any hopefuls who wished to contest in the Jepak by-election on Nov 4 drop the idea (of contesting) as GPS is still the preferred choice of the Jepak electorate.
Fadillah, who is also deputy prime minister, however, also expressed confidence that the party would still go on to win the seat even if there were to be a contest, and convincingly as well.
“So, if there are hopefuls, maybe they should drop the idea (of contesting). Let us win unopposed. It would be a waste of money. Keep the money, and save the energy. Wait for a much bigger election,” he said.
The Jepak by-election was called following the death of the incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip of GPS on Sept 15.
The Election Commission (EC) has set nominations for Oct 21, with early voting to take place on Oct 31.
