Expect surprises in Iban seats, says analyst

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KUCHING: The ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak could be in for some surprises in the coming state elections especially in Iban seats, says a political analyst.

Dick Lembang Dugun of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak said newcomers Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) will pose the biggest threat to GPS in these areas.

“There are several ‘hot seats’ like Ngemah where GPS, then the Sarawak Barisan Nasional, won by only 154 votes in 2016. GPS is fielding a newcomer, Anyi Jana. There is a chance it could lose this seat,” said Dugun.

“Another seat is Tamin, which Christopher Gira Sambang of GPS will be defending in a straight fight against Joseph Entulu Belaun, a well-known figure in the community being a former federal minister.”

Even Baleh, the seat held by the late Sarawak deputy chief minister James Masing, is not a safe seat. It will be contested by Masing’s nephew, Nicholas Kudi Jantai, but Dugun said there were murmurs on the ground that he did not enjoy the full support of the Parti Rakyat Sarawak grassroots.

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