KUCHING: Several DAP strongholds in the central region of Sarawak appear to be at risk as the 15th general election (GE15) campaign period enters its final phase.
Political analyst Prof Dr Lee Kuok Tiung claimed it is almost certain that DAP will lose in Sarikei.
“Yes, he is going to win this time despite failing to wrest the seat in the last general election in 2018,” said the senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), referring to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii.
Huang, a two term Repok assemblyman, has proven himself with his sincere hard work in addressing the people’s issues over the last six years, he said.
“Apart from that, it is the (poor) performance of the DAP in Sarawak, so in the context of Sarikei, Huang is definitely a better choice than the incumbent’s son,” he said.
Sarikei will see a straight fight between Huang and two-term incumbent Andrew Wong Ling Biu’s son – Roderick Wong.
Lee said DAP is also at risk of losing Lanang and Sibu, both Chinese-majority seats in the urban areas due to the winds of change blowing towards GPS since the Sarawak state elections last December.
“We already see that happening last year, so it is no surprise it (continues blowing) into this GE15,” he said.
“So, it’s very difficult for DAP to retain all the seats this time, except (better chances) in Bandar Kuching and Stampin,” he added.
DAP only won two out of the 26 seats it contested in the last state polls.
Apart from that, Lee said, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) appears to be also losing significant support on the ground with poor response during their campaign events compared to the crowd they drew in the last state polls.
