KUCHING: A multi-cornered fight appears to be shaping up for the Jepak by-election in Bintulu, but all indications point to a comfortable win for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
So far three candidates have been named for the polls, with nominations taking place today.
They are GPS’ Iskandar Turkee, Stevenson Joseph Sumbang from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Chieng Lea Phing from the Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi).
A prospective independent candidate was also seen attending the nomination day simulation exercise conducted by the Election Commission (EC) at the Bintulu Civic Centre yesterday.
Political scientist Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Jepak was a stronghold of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the backbone party of the ruling GPS state coalition.
He said the sympathy factor for the late incumbent assemblyman and state cabinet member Datuk Talib Zulpilip, whose death on Sept 15 led to the by-election, would boost support for GPS.
Awang Azman also said GPS candidate Iskandar, 54, was relatively young and a new face in politics. Iskandar was formerly the state National Anti-Drug Agency director.
“He’s also educated and approachable, which gives him an advantage,” he said.
As for PBK and Aspirasi, Awang Azman said they faced the challenge of being small parties that lack financial resources, machinery and supporters compared with GPS.
“It’s not an issue with their candidates per se but their much smaller resources,” he said, adding that a multi-cornered fight would also split the opposition vote.
However, Awang Azman said both parties could campaign on the importance of a stronger opposition voice in the Sarawak legislative assembly, which is currently dominated by GPS with 76 out of 82 seats.
“There needs to be a strong check and balance in the state legislature to ensure effective development,” he said.
Jepak has 22,804 voters, including 43 postal voters.
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