A political analyst questions Sarawak DAP’s hopes of grabbing more seats in the coming state election.
Its pitch as a tougher check on the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government may fall flat with voters.
Pragmatic voters favor GPS strengths
Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Awang Pawi says Sarawakians judge parties on development delivery, governing track record, stability, and state rights defense.
“Without solid policies and grassroots roots, ‘check-and-balance’ sounds like elite city talk,” he told FMT.
Local factors dominate: candidates, community ties, networks, and results – where GPS leads.
Awang Azman sees DAP gains limited to urban or semi-urban spots with diverse, educated voters focused on governance.
Sarawak-first sentiment a barrier
GPS’s record is not the only block. Rising “Sarawak-first” views pose a bigger hurdle.
Parties seen as “Malaya-centric” or national-focused struggle, he noted.
The sentiment respects federal ties but demands sharp focus on Sarawak autonomy, MA63, and local priorities.
DAP must prove to rural folks, Muslim and non-Muslim Bumiputera that it is truly Sarawakian, not just a national offshoot.
Leadership renewal needed
Tasmania University’s James Chin flags leadership fatigue as key for DAP’s seat bid.
Veterans like Pending assemblyman Violet Yong and opposition leader Chong Chieng Jen have long tenures.
Yong took Pending in 2006 and held it through 2011, 2016, 2021.
Chong held Kota Sentosa from 2006 to 2021, then shifted to Padungan.
“The core issue is scarce new talent,” Chin told FMT. “Without young candidates, DAP lags.”
Last week, organising secretary Violet Yong said DAP needs beyond its two seats for real opposition punch against GPS’s 80-of-82 assembly hold.
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