Chong Chieng Jen Violet Yong — Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen and Violet Yong were the only two candidates from the party to be elected as assemblymen in the last state election.

PETALING JAYA:

Sarawak DAP’s ambitious target of contesting up to 18 seats in the next state election is likely based on its confidence in pushing a stronger check-and-balance narrative to woo voters, says an analyst.

Dick Lembang Dugun of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak said this is despite the party being in the unity government at the federal level.

“Unlike PKR, whose direction in Sarawak has remained unclear, DAP is positioning itself to carry out the responsibility of being the check and balance,” he told FMT.

Sarawak has only two DAP elected representatives in the 82-seat assembly — state DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen (Padungan) and Violet Yong (Pending).

Chong indicated recently that they could field candidates in 15 to 18 seats in the next state election.

The term of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak-led state government expires on Feb 14, 2027.

Dugun said GPS enjoys strong leadership and public confidence under Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg.

“I spoke to several Chinese leaders. They want a stable state government and continued progress. But the people also understand democracy. They want a functioning opposition to hold the government accountable,” he said.

He said DAP may try to win back seats they previously lost, including Sarikei and several areas in Kuching.

Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara also said Sarawak DAP was positioning itself as a stronger opposition voice as it was not likely to join the state government, given GPS’s image as a purely Sarawak-based coalition.

“Despite having a Sarawak chapter, DAP is still perceived as a peninsula-based party, similar to PKR and Amanah,” he said, adding that GPS likely sees no need to invite peninsula-linked parties into its coalition.

DAP likely to woo Chinese, Bidayuh and Iban communities

Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya said Sarawak DAP is expected to eye mixed seats with significant Chinese and Bumiputera voters, especially from the Bidayuh and Iban communities.

“Bidayuh communities are closer to urban centres. They are exposed to economic challenges like cost of living, job opportunities and housing. DAP will likely use these issues to woo these voters,” he said.

In 2021, DAP won only Padungan and Pending in the state election, compared to the seven it won in 2016.

It lost in Kota Sentosa, Bukit Assek and Tanjung Batu, and failed to defend Pujut and Pelawan.

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Sarawak DAP confident in check-and-balance narrative, says analyst

Dick Lembang Dugun of Unimas attributes this to plans by the party to contest up to 18 seats in the next state election.