Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) assistant vice-chancellor of leadership and development Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman said some parties were also making the bold move to change incumbents in several seats.
“The candidates nominated by the parties have been vetted to ensure they can win.
“For example, just look at the decision by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to introduce new faces for youth and women representatives.
“This shows they are receptive to the current trend where people want to see changes. There is a mix of old and young candidates.”
GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg had announced 24 new faces among the 82 candidates to be fielded by the coalition in the polls.
Apart from GPS, parties like DAP, PKR, Amanah, PAS, Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi) and Parti Bumi Kenyalang have also named their candidates for the polls.
On the nomination of Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang as the GPS candidate in Pujut, Fadzil said the coalition had opted for a leader with a good track record to take on DAP in its stronghold.
“Based on the results of past elections, it is clear that the Chinese favour DAP.
“For GPS or other parties to effectively challenge DAP, they need strong candidates with integrity who are popular among the local community.
“This is the GPS’ formula to win urban seats,” he added.
DAP had also shown it was receptive to current developments, especially when it decided to field Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen in the Batu Kawah seat.
“DAP knows that Dr Sim Kui Hian (the Batu Kawah incumbent) is formidable and works hard. So, it needs to place a strong candidate, who also happens to be a doctor, there,” said Fadzil.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya lecturer Azman Awang Pawi said although the choice of candidates was important, the strength of a party’s machinery on the ground was just as crucial to ensure victory.
“The strength and efficiency of the party machinery plays an important role. In Sarawak’s political culture, the victory of a candidate is very much dependent on the brand of the political party.
“For example, it is far easier to win in Sarawak using the PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) political brand instead of using the PAS or Amanah banner,” said Azman, who is from the university’s Sociocultural Department of Malay Studies Academy.
Nomination for the polls is tomorrow while early voting is on Dec 14 and polling on Dec 18.