KUCHING: A political analyst is confident that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) can win easily the Jepak state by-election on Nov 4.
Professor Dr James Chin of the Asia Institute of University of Tasmania, Australia said this is due to the absence of controversy in the Jepak constituency.
“Voters are also believed to vote for the candidate put forward by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), who is the former director of the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) Sarawak, Iskandar Turkee, as a sign of respect for the former incumbent (the late Datuk Talib Zulpilip).
“In fact, the new developments that will be brought to the Jepak constituency will be the focus of this election campaign,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Wednesday (Oct 18).
Prof Chin also stated that GPS does not have to work hard as there is ‘no real opposition’ (opposition candidates with a high potential to win) in the by-election.
Earlier, GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced Iskandar as the candidate representing GPS in the Jepak by-election.
The selection was made after careful consideration and scrutiny by relevant authorities.
The by-election in Jepak will witness a three-cornered contest, but it remains uncertain if an independent candidate will participate.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has announced their candidate, Stevenson Joseph Sumbang, a former police officer, while businessman Chieng Lea Phing will contest under the ticket of Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi).
