SIBU: The Sibu by-election will be the litmus test for the Sarawak state election which must be held before June 2011, according to Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong.
For a start, it will be a benchmark of the support the opposition has gained since the last election.
A win will give DAP the confidence that urban Chinese Sarawakians will be on their side in the coming state election.
“The numbers will also tell of Barisan Nasional’s strength. A change of leadership here will spread like wind and set the tone for the state election,” Yong said.
The DAP is focused on winning over the youths, women and natives.
Women make up 53% of voters in Sibu while natives Melanau, Iban and others make up some 20%. Malays occupy another 20% of the demographics.
“We’re aiming for the young. We’re asking all those working outside of Sibu to return home to cast their votes.
“We need them here because they normally vote for DAP,” she said.
She said it was also important for this group to show the BN that they were being “forced” out of their hometown to seek a living elsewhere because there are no opportunities in Sibu or in Sarawak for that matter.
She accused the BN of failing to prevent the brain drain in the state.
DAP strategy
On the DAP strategy, Yong said the people were concerned about the frequent floodings in the constituency.
Despite flood mitigation programme, the problem persists.
Other matters would be the controversial Sarawak United College issue and the long wait for a university.
The Sibu by-election is set for May 16 with nominations fixed for May 8.
Currently, three candidates have picked up their nominations papers from the Election Commission.
However, speculations are rife that it will be a straight fight between the Sarawak United People’s Party and DAP.
Five-term Sibu MP Robert Lau of SUPP died on April 9 and thus necessitating a by-election.
In his last face-off, Lau battled it out in a three-cornered fight with DAP and PKR. He won with a 3,323 vote majority.
Both party’s have announced their candidates.
SUPP will be fielding Lau’s nephew, also called Robert Lau Lau Hui Yew. DAP has named its candidate, Wong Ho Leng, who is also Bukit Assek assemblyman.
Sibu's 54,695 voters comprise 67% Chinese, 22% Ibans, and 10% Malays.
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