No hope for opposition in Adenan’s former seat, say academics
Political analysts question wisdom of contesting in Tanjung Datu, especially with strong sentiment likely to give any PBB candidate an easy victory.
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak opposition parties won’t stand a chance at winning the upcoming Tanjung Datu by-election, according to political analysts.
They were responding to an earlier report where Reform leader Lina Soo said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) call for a “no-contest” in the by-election was contrary to democratic principles.
Speaking to FMT, associate professor Dr Jeniri Amir of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) said that opposition parties can expect to lose heavily if they decide to contest in the by-election.
“Tanjung Datu is a PBB stronghold and a rural seat too. The opposition has a slim chance of winning.”
Jeniri, without mincing his words, pointed out that opposition parties could lose their deposits if they still wished to contest.
“They (opposition) will lose their deposit just like PKR during the previous state elections in May last year.
Last year, Adenan retained Tanjung Datu with 6,360 votes against the 468 votes picked up by PKR candidate Jazolkipli Numan, who lost his deposit. That gave Adenan a majority of 5,892 votes.
There are a total of 9,899 voters in Tanjung Datu. The by-election will be on Feb 18, with nominations on Feb 4.
Jeniri also said public sympathy towards Adenan’s sudden death was a strong sentiment among Sarawakians.
“Many are expecting his son (Azizul Annuar Adenan) to continue Adenan’s legacy. That is the sentiment on the ground.”
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya associate professor Awang Azman Pawi shared similar views, saying any opposition party will be easily defeated by PBB in the Tanjung Datu constituency.
“After all, Tanjung Datu is one of PBB’s strongholds and the sympathy factor will surely increase BN’s votes this time.
“Any opposition party which decides to contest in the seat will most likely be defeated,” he told FMT when contacted.
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Adenan was hugely credited for leading Sarawak BN to a landslide victory in the state election last year, securing 72 of the 82 state seats.