PETALING JAYA: Peninsula-based PAS and Sarawak’s sole opposition party Sarawak National Party (SNAP) have failed miserably in their bid to win seats in the just-concluded 10th Sarawak state election.
PAS, an Islamic party, fielded five candidates while SNAP had a larger pool of candidates contesting some 26 seats.
PAS contested in Beting Maro, Sebuyau, Sadong Jaya, Muara Tuan and Tanjong Datu.
SNAP contested in Opar, Tasik Biru, Bengoh, Tarat, Tebedu, Kedup, Lingga, Balai Ringin, Bukit Begunan, Engkilili, Layar, Bukit Saban, Krian, Pakan, Meluan, Ngemah, Machan, Katibas, Belaga, Jepak, Kemena, Bekenu, Lambir, Marudi, Telang Usan and Batu Danau.
While PAS concentrated on the predominantly Muslim seats, SNAP focused on the semi-urban and rural constituencies.
Another opposition party DAP, which contested in the urban constituencies, won handsomely, bagging 12 out of the 15 seats. The party virtually wiped out Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), a Chinese-based Barisan Nasional (BN) component in Sarawak.
The loss would send both PAS and SNAP back to the drawing board to come out with ways to win the hearts and minds of Sarawakians.
Observers said the dismal performance of these two opposition parties showed that they lacked appeal to voters.
“They need to show what they can give to the voters. Talk alone will not win votes… you must show that you are capable of doing the job… just look at the DAP,” said a opposition leader, who declined to be named.
He said the two parties also did not appear “serious” in wanting to win seats but just wanted to play spoilers to serious contenders.
PKR, another opposition party, contested 49 seats but only managed to win three in Batu Lintang, Krian and Be’ Kelalan.
The observer said PKR’s win does not auger well for Pakatan Rakyat, the peninsula-based opposition coalition comprising PAS, DAP and PKR.
“If they want to take the federal government at the next general election, then they would have to redouble their efforts. They are only banking on DAP to bring in the parliamentary seats in Sarawak. This will not work.
“All three parties must work hand in glove to achieve their dream of taking over Putrajaya; otherwise it would remain a dream,” he added.
Out of the 71 seats contested, the opposition won 16 while the BN captured 55.
Seats won by the opposition are Padungan, Pendin, Bukit Lintang, Kota Sentosa, Batu Kawa, Krian, Repok, Meradong, Bukit Assek, Dudong, Pelawan, Pelagus, Kidurong, Piasau, Pujut and Ba’ kelalan.
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