Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Prof Faisal Syam Hazis said recent surveys had indicated a 85% approval rating for Adenan but said many lingering issues would influence voters.
“Adenan is popular, but overrated.”
He was speaking at a forum, titled “Sarawak State Assembly Elections 2016: Issues and Perspectives”.
Faisal cited the inevitable impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), corruption and Prime Minister Najib Razak’s alleged scandals as some of the lingering issues that would influence voters.
Adenan had previously claimed issues revolving around Najib would have little impact in Sarawak.
Faisal said some of Adenan’s supporters in urban areas may vote for the Opposition as a sort of “check and balance” for BN.
However, Faisal said BN was poised to have the upper hand in rural areas as it was set on “rigorously” developing rural areas.
Faisal also predicted that the Sarawak Government would channel its 2016 allocation of RM3 billion for rural development during the election.
“DAP won’t win this kind of game as the incumbent government has more resources.”
Faisal said if the Opposition wanted to win this election, they must serve as a stronger and viable alternative to the people.
“If they focus on the economy, get into straight fights with BN, they can actually do well in seats where BN won by a small majority.”