KUCHING: The current political scenario will favour candidates who can pull the crowds at their public ‘ceramah’ (talks).
Political analyst Dr Ammar Redza opined that based on such scenario, voters may not vote based on party, but based on their choice of candidates.
“The situation and the political climate in GE15 will be different as the candidates can have their public ‘ceramah’ (talks).
“When you’re having this event, it is the ability to pull the crowd that might help and create an effect in voters’ motivation.
“But of course, with the good track record shown by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the past few years, especially in the last state election, I believe that they (candidates) can have a very good content shown in their manifesto,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Commenting on hot seats in Sarawak in the 15th general election (GE15), Ammar cited Miri, Lawas, Kanowit and Mas Gading as seats in this category.
He noted that in Kanowit, incumbent Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang is being challenged by four other candidates namely; Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Mohd Fauzi Abdullah @ Joseph Nyambong and three independent candidates – Dr Elli Luhat, Chen Nyuk Fa and Michael Lias.
He said there is a chance for an independent candidate to win the seat.
“This election, we have a lot of newcomers especially among the voters, which includes those in Undi18 and those automatically registered voters.
“I believe that these groups might look on the candidates who are popular but I also believe that they will also choose based on party.
“So, in this case, if you are a strong party with a strong direction, it will definitely help,” he emphasised.
